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LETTERS 



FROM THE 



FORTY-FOURTH RE&IMENT M. V. M.: 



A RECORD OF THE 



EXPEEIENOE OF A NINE MONTHS' EEQIMENT 



DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA IN 1SG2-3. 






BY "CORPORAL. 



BOSTON: 
PRINTED AT THE HERALD JOB OFFICE, No. 4 WILLIAMS COURT, 

1863. 

.1 



E 513 



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L E T T E R S . 



In Barracks at Eeadtille, ^ 
Saturday, Aug. 30, 1862. ) 
Your readers in Boston will not be uninterested in following 
the fortunes of the gallant 44th, which has just gone forth from 
your city with full ranks, made up in large measure of young men 
in whose honor and welfare every true Bostonian will feel a peculiar in- 
terest. The jic'sonnel of the 44th (recruited up from the Fourth Bat- 
talion of Infantry as a nucleus,) has been so frequently the subject of 
newspaper remark, that nothing more need be said under that head ; 
but it may not be vainglorious to say that no regiment has gone forth 
from the old Bay State, renowned for the quality of its soldiers, which 
exceeds or equals the second New England G uard regiment, as regards the 
personal qualities of its rank and file. All the learned professions are 
represented in its ranks, and even some of the recondite sciences and 
fine arts have their accomplished devotees in this corps. Among the 
latter may be reckoned the astronomer Tuttle, of Cambridge, and the 
brothers Cobb, artists, of Boston. We have sons of ministers and 
millionaires, and many rich men in their own right. The sons of min- 
isters in the 44th, grievous to say, are generally publicans themselves, 
and give few signs of eminently Christian training. This is strange. 

" 'Tis true, 'tis pity ; 
And pity 'tis, 'tis true." 

This is the second attempt which the Fourth Battalion has recently 
made to do their country some service ; and we have been wondering 
if the present will prove as futile as the preceding one. But these do 
not cover the honorable record of the Fourth Bats. The Massachu- 
setts 24th sprang from this Battalion. That and the 2nd and other 
Massachusetts regiments of earlier and later dates have been largely of- 
ficered from its ranks. It has provided the army of the Union tivo 



■* LETTERS I'Kd.AI THE 

hnndiyl andtire„t,j-five commissioned qijicers. A foct more cstraordi- 
uary in connection with one military organization cannot be adduced, 
and will -M far to render the Fom-th historic. The youthful patriot, 
Putnam, whose untimely sacrifice at Ball's Bluff, considered in connec- 
tion with the unusual sweetness and force of character of the young 
martyr, has caused the tears of a nation to flow, was once a member of 
the Fourth, and his portrait now graces the walls of its armory. 

The 44th came one day too soon to barrack at Kcadville, but it was 
their own fault. The fine new barracks just erected there weie not 
completed, and will not be until to-night, although now habitable and 
comfortable as heart can desire. But we have all had to work to pro- 
duce this comfortable state of affairs so early, and the "school of the 
soldier" has been neglected to-day. 

Our first night in barracks was exceedingly jolly, as was to have been 
expected. Poor devils who depend on good sleep and a good deal of 
it for what vitality they can muster, might probably have sworn last 
night, if they had been obliged to barrack at Eeadville. Not that the 
boys were riotous, or even obstreperous, but simply joUy. We supped on 
hard bread, and coffee hotter than the crater of Vesuvius. Then, 
pipes and cigars lighted, the early evening was devoted to music — 
songs of home. After we had retired to our bunks, music of another 
character "beguiled" the hours of night. 

Y(nu- correspondent slept not at all the first night in barrack, for ob- 
vious reasons. The inside musical j-erformances opened with a barn- 
yard chorus by the entire company, followed by a rapid, unintermittine 
succession of dog, hog, pig, and rooster solos, duetts and quartettes^, 
single and combined, which continued in great volume until the unex- 
pected arrival of the captain and his lieutenants, who are unfortunately 
without any ear for music. After a short intermission, the performance 
was resumed in a greatly modified condition, commenciuir with admira- 
ble imitations of chickens astray from the shelter of the maternal win-, 
and coming to a pause with the low, small, satisfied twitterings of chick- 
ens in clover. 

Then followed sounds less artistic, but not less suggestive to the gen- 
eral appreciation, intermingled with snatches of conversation of a highly 
festive character. The good wit of the occasion rendered endurable 
what would otherwise have been an intolerable nuisance to any one 
wanting sleep .so badly as your humble servant; but at last, as it must 
be confessed, even this element failed to satisfy a scientific audience. 
Objurgations, not loud but deep, came from a number of bunks where 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. O 

sleep had failed to come, ov tarried a moment to be cruelly banished. 
Despite all these adverse circumstances, sound sleep actually came to 
one poor fellow sleeping unsuspectingly below the " Corporal ;" but, as the 
Fates would have it, it departed from him in this wise. 

A small britannia flask, used chiefly to contain cofi"ee and milk in the 
temporary absence of dippers, fell from the rear of the " Corporal's" bunk 
directly upon the head of the sleeper, suddenly arousing him to the 
consciousness of life and its uncertainties. He screamed out vigorously 
that one of the slats of our bunk had fallen upon his head, and sarcas- 
tically ofi'ered to get up a contribution to improve our sleeping accom- 
modations, and thereby render his own safety more complete. The 
" Corporal," who felt the flask slip from beneath his pillow, knew that the 
aroused man labored under a misapprehension, and clambered down to 
recover the fugitive vessel, and manipulate a suddenly prominent bump 
on the cranium of the one man of company D who succeeded in get- 
ting asleep. 

To-day we have been applying finishing touches to our quarters, and 
exercising in company movements, by squads, &c. The turn-out at 
beat of reveille, this morning at five o'clock, was a new sensation even 
to the " Corporal." The style of the morning ablutions was a novelty, too. 
Instead of basins and soap at the barracks, we were ordered to " fall in 
with towels," and then were positively marched to a pond to wash our 
faces and hands ! 0, the degradation of military rule ! Such is war. 

To-morrow we shall look for a host of friends from Boston. We will 
not attempt to disguise the hope we cherish, that they may bring their 
jiockets full of apples ! 

In the multipUcity of Colonels Lee, never lees in a military sense, 
your correspondent may inform somebody by stating that the Colonel 
Lee commanding the 44th, was Major Lee of the 4th Battalion, and 
never Colonel Lee of the 20th or 27th, or Colonel Lee of the Governor's 
Stafi", but is a brother of the latter. He is a large-hearted man, and a 
splendid officer. His stafi" and line officers are fully worthy of him. 
Altogether we are eminently satisfied with ourselves as a regiment. 



In Barracks at Readville, ) 
Sept. 6, 1862. f 
Our first Sunday in barracks was enlivened by the presence of 
friends from Boston. The hope we breathed with respect to apples 
was more than met. The last cigar in many a private stock had just 



" LKTTEIIS rilO.M THE 



ended in smoke, and shed its sweetness on the desert air of Readville 
haply to be succeeded by new relays at the hands of thoughtful 
h-iends. ^ me, fruit and other comestibles poured into some favored 
messes with overwhelming abundance, and it must be confessed that 
Mondays bill of health was nut improved by Sundays too luxurious 
bill ot tare. "Corporal" woidd suggest that pastry and cake are of 
no benefit to a soldier, but that ripe fruit is not only a luxury, but of 
great advantage as a corrective of the system. 

Am^ther sanitary suggestion. Several sick men on 3Ionday traced 
their ill health to bathing too soon after dinner. Few men can safely 
plunge into the water within fom- hours after eating heartily. It stops 
the digestive machinery, and then all goes wrong, indefinitely. Just 
before dinner is a good time to bathe, or just before break-fast or su,>per 

Wl fin it 



T^^onld any one like to know how our first dress parade went off ^ 
^ell I Shan t tell. The occasion was graced by the Boston Brass 
Band ; but a spirited young horse in front of the lines did the best thing 
of the day-dancing in perfect time to the music. With his head erec^ 
and nervously distended nostrils, he was a picture of grace. That that 
horse hasa soul " Corporal "' has no doubt, else how could he have music 
m It. Horses of duller metal were all around him, standing upon 
hree legs, and doing nothing but switch their tails at the flies. Some 
human beings behave still more indifferently at concerts 

'Ihere is some emulation among the companies in the way of neat- 
ness, conveniences and decorations about their several barra^-ks The 
palm IS due to Company D for an early display of flags upon the out- 
side, and also for certam novel decorations of the interior in the shape 
of one or two delicate articles of apparel, probably wafted by the wind 
irom a washing hung out to drv. 

One of our fc]lo;;;s was attadced by a cow the other day, and ])adly 
wounded in his uiuler-garments, but is expected to recover 

Company D has paid a little compliment to its commissioned officers. 
Captain .Sullivan was made the recipient of a sword, sash, and belt, and 
to Lieutenants Blake and Stebbins were presented shoulder straps 
These gentlemen are justly beloved by the men of their company L 
die.r entire devotion to duty, and their high accomplishments as officers. 
They are all graduates of the Fourth Battalion. Of the qualifications 
of Captains Hunt, Lombard and Kendall also, the personal acquaint- 
ance of your correspondent enables him to speak in terms of hi^h 
praise. » 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. / 

Company F having had the temerity to erect a flag-staiF taller than 
Company D's, the latter company extended its mast a few feet over that 
of its neighboring barrack. This ambition to excel exhibits itself in a 
variety of ways. Some of the barracks are prettily lighted with lan- 
terns, and in one or two of them the bunks are lettered and ornamented 
in a very artistic manner. AfterAvard Captain Spencer Richardson's 
boj'S secured the tallest pole which could be found in the neighboring 
woods, and at the present writing their flag floats the highest. The 
barracks occupied by the companies of Captain Lombard, Captain Hunt 
and Captain Kendall also have creditable displays of bunting, and con- 
tribute to give the encampment an animated and beautiful appearance. 

Each company has its excellent choir of singers, but Company F 
aff"ords instrumental as well as vocal music. The Cobb brothers, who 
are excellent violinists, nightly delight a numerous auditory assembled 
about their bunks. 

As our stay at Eeadville protracts, we are gathering about us many 
little comforts and luxuries which we shall probably have to sacrifice in 
the event of a sudden retirement from before an enemy. But while 
we stay here our purpose is to make ourselves extremely comfortable ; 
and in this purpose a numerous constituency of fi-iends are lending their 
assistance in the way of hampers and baskets and bundles of fruit, and 
other delicacies. Our mess gratefully acknowledges a basket of incom- 
parable pies from a pious lady in Boston, who has no peer among 
modern pastry cooks. Our judgment condemns all such luxuries, but 
our heart acknowledges how good they are. And we are most gener- 
ously remembered in gifts of more substantial value — writing desks, 
medicines, wax-tapers, smoking caps, pipes, tobacco, cigars, &c., &c. 
All these, we know, are the romance of war, the pleasant prelude of 
things considerably rougher, but we will enjoy them while we may, and 
when we come to the sterner duties of the soldier our hearts and arms 
shall be nerved to strength by all the thoughtful kindness which friends 
now lavish upon us. 

We shall not forget the " Donation Committee" of the city of Bos- 
ton, or its queenly agent who presides at the headquarters on Tremont 
street, and dispenses havelocks, Testaments, pins, needles, towels, hand- 
kerchiefs, &c., to every applicant whom it is in her power to serve. 

I informed you in my first letter that our regiment was honored by 
the membership of the astronomer Tuttle ; I omitted, however, to men- 
tion that he rejected the tender of a lucx*ative position in the Washing- 
ton Observatory to do a private soldier's duty in the 44th Regiment. 



O LETTERS FRO.M THE 

Patriotism more self-sacrificing than this is rarely to be found, but when 
found, a note should be made of it at once. We propose to call our 
astronomical conn-ade " Old Stars." Although not yet twenty-three 
years old, he has already grown gray in his assiduous night-watches for 
the starry voyagers of the upper deep : and now his chief anxiety is to 
be placed upon the round of the night sentinel, where he may pursue" 
his favorite study. 

We have been having some delicious days this week. It was plea- 
sure enough to live in such atmosphere and sunlight. Our evenings, 
too, have been delightful, and we have had with them the music of the' 
band, promenades, dancing, &c. 3Iany friends, with beautiful turn- 
outs, and without, have visited us, and we have had a wonderfully hap- 
py week. Who shall describe the wonderful beauty of these September 
sunrises, and the exhilaration of the morning air and bath at the pondr 
On Thursday we were honored by a visit from a sub-committee of 
the Citizens' Conunittee of Boston, deputed to investigate the cuisine of 
this regiment. Reports had gone abroad that we were badly fed ; that, 
in point of fact, we were not allowed broiled chickens for breakfast, nor 
roast beef and plum-pudding for dinner. It is barely possible that the 
committee had even more serious charges to investigate, and were hor- 
rified to discover that we had neither loaf-sugar or cream in our tea and 
coffee. Notwithstanding these serious deficiencies, the committee were 
constrained to confess that our bread and soup were good enough for 
the guests of the Parker House, and that in all other respects we'' fared 
as well as the soldiers of any other regiment. We certaiidy didn't know 
that we were badly used, until we were honored by the visit of the gen- 
tlemen of eminent gravity. We u-oidd whisper one word in the em- of 
the cn.)k, and ask him to cook the rice; but for the consolation of that 
amiable individual we would remind liim of the remark of Thomas Jef- 
ferson, tliat there was but one woman north of the Potomac who knew 
how to perform this important culinary operation. 

The time of our departure, as well as our destination, is still prob- 
lematical. Some have it that we are going to Virginia, others to Bal- 
timore, others to New Orleans, and others that we^are to remain where 
we are for a considerable space of time. The work of drill has com- 
menced in earnest, and in a few weeks, few regiments will excel the 
44th in th,n-oughness of instruction. We have received our guns 
(Enfield rifles), although they have not yet been distributed. A portion 
of our uniforms have arrived, and will soon be distributed. A large 
number of the regiment will wear uniforms made to measure, and of 
better stock than that furnished by Uncle Sam. 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 9 

Before we leave Readville, it is suggested that we give our friends a 
grand parting reception and ball, and that an acre or two of the camp- 
ground be floored over for the convenience of those who would like to 
trip the light fantastic. 



In Barracks at Readville, | 

Sept. 13, 1862. ( 
It may interest your readers to know that the field occupied by the 
44th Regiment is where the famous striped pig was exhibited twenty 
odd years ago — the pig made immortal in the well-remembered song 
commencing — 

"In Dedham just now there was a g;reat muster, 
Which gathered the people all up in a cluster ; 
A terrible time, and what do you think, 
To find a Avay to get something to drink ! 
Ri tu, di nu, di nu," &c. 

To-day traffickers in the ardent hereabout labor under similar em- 
barrassments with those of 1840. Colonel Lee has military jurisdic- 
tion over a territorial radius of one mile, and has no bowels of com- 
passion for those fellows who open rum and refreshment booths along 
the highways and in the bushes about the camp. "Corporal" has 
already signalized himself by leading a squad of men and assisting in 
the confiscation and reduction of a liquor shanty romantically situated 
among the pines in the vicinity. The operation yielded us one flask of 
whisky, two empty flasks, and a fresh supply of needed lumber, whereof 
'•'■ Corporal" was awarded one board in consideration of his gallantry on 
the occasion alluded to. 

Another new sensation has befallen your correspondent in his first 
experience as corporal of the guard. We have had a succession of 
magnificent days and nights since we went into camp, and guard duty 
has not been the most disagreeable part of our experience as soldiers. 
The calm majesty of these moon-lit nights, the brooding stillness oc- 
casionally broken by the challenge of the sentinel in this and the neigh- 
boring camps, and the white tents and garrisons dotting the dark field, 
conspire to form a scene of impressive beauty. 

We have received an order from the Commander-in-Chief of all the 
forces in Massachusetts prohibiting us from bathing at all Christian 
hours of the day, out of regard to the sensitive nerves of somebody. 
As nobody but soldiers live near the ponds, it is to be supposed that 



10 LETTERS FROM THE 

the order was promulgated as a measure of consideration of the naiads 
and nymphs habitant hereabout. We heartily wish that everybody was 
like Ca?sar"s wife. 

The *' women of America," including a few Boston friends, have sent 
us in a grand lunch of Washington pies, coffee and cold meats. Where 
these dainties went to is a profound mystery to the non coms. and pri- 
vates, but it is doubtless " all right." 

. At dress parade, the other day, Miss Josie Gregg, of Boston, through 
Colonel Lee, presented us an elegant flag, and the gift was acknowledg- 
ed by three cheers. Captain Spencer Richardson has received a sword, 
sash, &c., from friends of the Mercantile Library Association, of which 
he is an ex-president. Orderly Stebbins, of Company F, brother of 
Lieutenant Stebbins, of Company D, has received a sword, sash, &c., 
from members of his company. Dan. Simpson, the dninimer, has re- 
ceived from friends in Company C (Captain Lombard), a Turkish fez, 
which gives old Dan. a very rakish appearance. 

Flag competition continues, and now every barrack shows its bunting 
— that of Company D again floating the highest. Thursday morning 
Company F's flag-staff presented to the eyes of an astonished camp the 
same small white, bifurcated garment which had previously served t© 
decorate the interior of a neighboring barrack. The boys are bound not 
to " 'have their selves," as L^ncle Sim Wilbur used to say. We now 
hope, however, for better things for oui* company, having sent the ser- 
geants to a tent by themselves, and conferred the responsibility of keep- 
ing good order upon the corporals. 

Captain James Eichardson's company give their barrack a beautiful, 
almost oriental appearance at evening, by the introduction of numerous 
Chinese lanterns. In every barrack the fine arts are still cultivated in 
the lettering and ornamentation of the bunks. One is labelled " Squir- 
rels' Nest ; " another, " Penguin's Nest ; " another, " Sleeping Beauties ;" 
another, "Siamese Twins;" another, " Damon and Pythias." Some 
graduates of Tufts College, who occupy a bunk together, inform the 
world in good classical phrase that it is sweet to die for your country. 
They may well say that, if living in the barracks at Beadville be d^nng 
for your country. " Corporal " cannot but look with amazement upon 
these classical young patriots elevated upon their bunks and devouring 
home dauties over this conspicuous motto — " Ditlce et decorum «.'st pro 
putrioi mori ! " 

In Company D we have the following graduates and under-graduates 
of Tufts College: — E. Fitz Gerald, Portsmouth, New Hampshire ; C. 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 11 

Adams, Middleton, North Carolina; J. B. Brewster, Plymouth; W. E. 
SaA^ery, South Carver ; W. C. Ireland, Boston ; W. E. Gibbs, West Cam- 
bridge, Massachusetts; W. P. Treat, Canton, Maine; and A. C. Fish, 
Janesville, Wisconsin. As may be supjDOsed they are ornaments to the 
company and regiment. Mr. Gibbs relinquishes the pastorate of the 
Universalist Church in West Cambridge and a liberal salary to serve 
his country as a private soldier. 

Our Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Hall, of Plymouth, was introduced to us last 
Sunday, and made a good impression upon the regiment for his brevity 
of speech and avoidance of religious cant. He said the engrossing duty 
of the day was devotion to our country, and felicitated the young men 
of the regiment that an opportunity was opened to them to consecrate 
their powers to so high an object. The music was very hum-drum, 
considering the number and quality of our vocalists, but we shall do 
better. 

Mr. Charles White, of Milton, who has two sons in the 44th, is get- 
ting up a regimental song book. Original contributions of the true 
ring would doubtless be well received. 

The quarters of Company G, Captain Hunt, are tastefully ornament- 
ed with evergreen, and are much admired by visitors ; but it is on all 
hands conceded that the barrack of Company D, thanks to the oversight 
of our admirable Corporal Waterman, is most noticeable for its com- 
plete order and neatness. It is whispered that we are to have a 
piano, if we remain here much longer ; and then, with such singers 
among us as Charley Ewer, from the Warren Street choir, we reckon 
upon very good times in the musical line. 

Yesterday was a great day with the men of the 44th. We were 
mustered into the service of the United States by companies. The 
event was hailed with cheeping and general rejoicing ; and then the 
uniforms provided by Uncle Sam were opened for inspection. Many 
members of the regiment had already provided themselves with garments 
of superior quality, made to measure, and those who had not taken this 
precaution regretted it the more when they came to see the half cotton, 
shoddy, slouchy stuff sent to them through the State authorities. 
Colonel Lee, who has a natural abhon-ence of shams in all shapes, 
advised his men not to draw such uniforms, and promised to assist them 
in procuring garments made to measure. The men gladly acted upon 
the suggestion of the Colonel and will clothe themselves, not less as a 
matter of neatness and taste than of economy. 

The mustering-in certificates were given out yesterday and to-day. 



12 LETTERS FROM THE 

and some of the boys have already pocketed the generous bounties 
voted them in Boston and elsewhere. Mayor Wightman was here on 
Friday, and was cheered as he passed among the barracks. 

Last evening the barrack of Company F, Captain Storrow, was the 
centre of attraction. The parents of the artists Cobb were present, 
and the delighted spectators of a country break-down and other festive 
demonstrations. Mrs. Cobb delivered a little impromptu poem, and 
Mr. Cobb a very stirring address, both of which were vociferously 
applauded. The Cobb brothers sang and played exquisitely, and the 
occasion was one of touching interest. 

Brigadier-General Pierce has been appointed to command Camp 
Meigs, including the several encampments at Keadville, and Lieutenant 
Richard H. Weld, Post Adjutant. 

To-day a fine flag-staiF was erected at the brigade headquarters near 
the depot. Li a little while Camp 3Ieigs will be one of the grandest 
and most complete military posts in New England. 

We have been provided with muskets for guard duty only, and of 
course have much work to perform in the manual of arms' drill before 
we shall be fit to take the field. In the facings we have made com- 
mendable progress, and have been highly complimented by Colonel Lee 
in this respect. 

Since the 44th went into barracks they have been favored with the 
services of the Boston Brass Band, under the lead of Mr. Flagg. Tt 
is said the expense is to be defrayed by an assessment upon the regiment. 
Considering that the mass of the regiment have had no voice in the 
selection of a band, a number of persons are inclined to consider this 
a little " rough." ^^^lat " Corporal" and many others wish to suggest 
in this connection is, that a few of our rich friends in Boston unite to 
defray the expense of a (jood band, which shall accompany us to the 
seat of Avar. It is thought they would be pleased to confer this sub- 
stantial benefit upon the regiment, and thus acknowledge the impoi-tant 
assistance rendered by the Fourth Battalion of Infantry in raising the 
quota of Boston. Failing in this, a set of instruments would be grate- 
fully acknowledged, and an excellent band would then be recruited from 
the re";iment. 



Ix Barracks at Keadville, | 
Satl-rd.vy, Sept. 20, 1862. ) 
We begin to feel the rigors of a soldier's life, and among our hard- 
ships are green corn, onion soup, baked beans, brown bread, boiled pota- 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. lo 

toes, &c. If we had not been mustered in at the time we were, there is mi 
saying what the consequences of delay might not have been. As for 
our cook, he has been forced to seek an asylum out of camp, under a 
pretence of sickness. He could no longer face the frown of a virtuous 
and half-starved soldiery, so he unwreathed his face of " that smile," 
which had so long deceived the boys, and then — 

"Folded up his dishcloth like the Arabs, 
And in darkness stole away." 

Applications for the vacancy at the " Bite Tavern," from Parker & Mills 
and J. B. Smith are under consideration. 

Since we were sworn in we have felt the tightening of the military 
rein. No man has been allowed to see his friends, or to receive pres- 
ents from them except on the points of their bayonets. On Monday 
about two hundred men only could be mustered for battalion drill. The 
other eight hundred, except those who had gone to Boston and elsewhere, 
were in irons at the guard-house. Colonel Lee and staff were intoxi- 
cated — with the varied strains of the Boston Brass Band. Altogether 
we have been in a sad muss. 

When are we going to leave for the seat of war ? We don't know. 
It is said at the Adjutant-Greneral's office that we shall be the next reg- 
iment to leave. If this is so, why are not the muskets given out ? The 
Elementary Spelling Book used to say, " wheels are . admirable instru- 
ments of conveyance." It might also have said that guns are useful 
implements of warfare, and that wheelings and facings alone never did 
kill the de\'il. " Corporal," who confesses to a distaste for actual war- 
fare, and who, like Sparrowgrass, would be glad never to leave his 
State, except in case of invasion, indulges the hope that this delay in 
distributing the arms indicates an indefinite continuance of barrack life 
and drill. 

The past week has been one of furloughs, the men being thus enabled 
to go to their several hailing places and procure their bounties. We 
are sorry to say that red tape has ruled potently with some of the town 
authorities, and that some soldiers have been disappointed in not re- 
ceiving what is clearly theirs, for the want of forms of certificate not 
required in Boston. Dear old Boston ! She not only does generous 
things, but does them as quietly and with as little trouble to the recip- 
ients as though she was not conferring a benefit. She that never tires 
in doing good is not mis-named "the Hub." " Corporal" will be her 
spokesman, although his bounty came not from her treasury, nor any 
other, as yet. 



14: LETTERS FROM THE 

We reasonably expect that a week of furloughs will be succeeded by 
work. Some of our little captains are threatening us hard. More drill 
and less guard duty will not be unacceptable to the poor fellows, whose 
duty as sentinels for the past week has only been relieved by the relax- 
ation of police guard work or scavenger service. Bootless has been the 
plea, " I was on guard yesterday, and police guard the day before." 
The orderly knew it. There was no help for it. It costs hard work, 
but we have the cleanest camp in Christendom, if we may believe vis- 
itors. Lieutenant McLaughlin, our mustering-in officer, was profuse in 
his commendations of the 44th. It was, he said, the most ordei'ly and 
the cleanest regiment he ever mustered in. The company rolls were the 
neatest which had ever come under his inspection, and the number of 
absentees (one sick and one unavoidably absent,) the smallest in his ex- 
perience. We do not wish to be always elevating our horn, but we 
must record history. 

Speaking of guard duty, we have added to our guards another wheel 
in the camp machinery of good order — a provost guard. Captain 
Smith, of Company H, has been appointed Provost IMarshal of this 
post. Lieutenant Forbes, of Company K, formerly of the Counnercial 
Bulletin, Lieutenant Laughton, of the 43d Regiment, and Lieutenant 
Singleton, of the 42d, have been appointed Lieutenants of the provost 
guard. The headtjuarters of this guard are near the depot. It consists 
of a relief from each of the above regiments, and its principal dut}- is 
to reduce rum booths in the vicinity and look uj) stragglers from the 
camp. 

Since my last letter there have been added to the list of decorated 
barracks those of Company B, Captain Griswold, and Company A, 
Captain Kichardson. Company D has introduced Chinese lanterns, 
small flags, and the arms of the New England Cuards, neatly painted 
by one of our numerous artists, to wit, Fred. Sayer, the lingual prodigy 
and pet of his corps. We have not yet procured a drunnner, but our 
tallest corporal, Messinger, who has seen enough of military prefer- 
ment, is in training as a candidate. Since the above was written, a 
drummer has been selected, but Messinger's claims were ignored. 

Among the testimonials of the past week have been a sword, sash 
and belt to Orderly Hatch, of Captain Hunt's company, and a splendid 
meerschaum pipe to Captain James Richardson. Gold, silver and 
amber combine to make the latter present a dudheen of irreproachable 
beauty. 

A startling rumor has just come into camp to the effect that we are 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGDIEXT, 15 

to be allowed no more extras. The fellows who have been subsisting 
upon pies, sponge cake, pickles, etc., etc., propose to hold an indigna- 
tion meeting, and arouse public sentiment against the contemplated 
outrage. If we cannot be allowed to eat Washington pies, what are 
our liberties worth, we should like to know ? ]More than this, we are 
not to be allowed to eat our rations in barrack except in rainy weather. 
Such is war. But are we to be kept under stricter discipline than regi- 
ments in the field ? Are we to have no sutler ? Is the dealer in " veg- 
etable oysters" opposite the guard house to be driven off? We refuse 
to believe it. 

A large proportion of the regiment is now uniformed in neatly fitting 
suits, having no relationship to the contractors' shoddy which was 
attempted to be foisted upon us. Our appearance at the dress parades 
is creditable, and every pleasant afternoon crowds of spectators honor 
us with their presence. The number of pretty girls that adorn these 
occasions, coming as they do, laden with offerings of fi-uits and flowers 
for their favorites, is by no means the least interesting feature of the 
afternoon displays. The angels even besiege us in our barracks, and 
although we are delighted to see them, they seem sometimes to forget 
that we have no retiring rooms, and that we must perforce make our 
toilettes in our bunks, or not make them at all. " Corporal" wants it 
distinctly understood that he don't care anything about this, personally. 
He speaks for the modest man of his company. 

Yesterday the numerous flags at Camp Meigs were at half-mast in 
respect to the memory of Greneral Keno. To-day the Warren Drum 
Corps were rapturously received by the soldiers of the 44th. Doctor 
Kirk, the great and earnest-hearted minister of the 3Iount Vernon 
Church, was in camp to-day, distributing neat little books appropriate 
to soldiers. Neatly printed hoolca are read when mere tracts are thrown 
away. "Corporal" heard one fellow remark with irreverent facetious- 
ness that somebody had filled his booth with tracts and carried away aU 
articles of extrinsic value. The chap had undoubtedly lost something, 
and selected this profane way of giving vent to his anger. 

Your correspondent could expatiate b}" the half column of the social 
fascinations of this life in barracks, of the genial friendships formed ; 
of the glorious hearts discovered ; of the roaring wit brought out by 
this free and easy companionship ; of the freedom from conventional 
restraints and the care of every-day j^nrsuits. Do not, dear reader, 
think us too jolly and comfortable for soldiers, but rather thank Heaven 
for the sunny side and recompense of military life, which, perhaps, after 



16 LETTERS FROM THE 

all, but very feebly offset the shadow.s through which lies the pathway 
of him who takes up arms in defense of liberty, imperilled as it is 
to-day. 



Ix Barracks at Readville, | 
Saturday, Sept. 27, 1862. } 

One of our home corps was at Camp Meigs last Sunday, and noted 
the extraordinary rush of visitors u])(in tliat day. The members of the 
44th were allowed a few hours' leave of absence outside their lines, and 
improved the time by visiting the encampments of the other regiments 
and battery east of the pond. The visit was an agreeable one, and af- 
forded us a fine opportunity to contrast the condition of our camp with 
that of the other regiments at this post. We found the barracks of the 
45th (Cadet Regiment) in fine condition, and constructed with better 
regard to light and ventilation than our own. In other respects we did 
not suff"er by comparison with either regiment. Gilmore's Band hon- 
ored us by playing the Fourth Battalion Quickstep, (xilmore promises 
us a serenade one of these fine evenings. In a few days more we shall 
have more moonlight nights, and, if we remain at Camp Meigs, a repe- 
tition of out-door evening sociability, music and moonlight rambles. At 
this writing, however, the air is thick with rumors of a speedy departure 
of our regiment. We have it fi-om apparently good authority that the 
47th, Colonel Marsh, is to occupy these barracks next week, and that a 
transport now lies in Boston harbor waiting to convc}- us to New Or- 
leans, or Newbern, for one of wliicli posts, it is said, we arc to sail the 
latter part of next week. Another rumor sends us to Annapolis, pre- 
liminary to our sea voyage South, and another to Fort Warren. We 
propose to resign ourselves to either of these dispositions, especially to 
the New Orleans trip, now that we begin to feel the bite of these au- 
tumn nights and mornings. The most unmusical of sounds is the nveiUe 
at five o'clock, A. M. Even the freshness and magnificence of those 
star-gemmed mornings scarcely compensate us for this ghostly hour of 
turning out. But now we arc threatened with calls among the small 
hours for the purpose of preparing us for surprises in the enemy's 
country. We would gladly excuse^ our officers from this laborious work 
in our behalf. In fact, we shall not be less grateful to them if they do 
not carry the plan into execution. Beside, midnight movements like 
these might excite the suspicion of our ubiquitous provost guard, 
and result in getting the whole regiment into limbo. We could not 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 17 

even visit our neighbors of the other regiments, hist Sunday, without 
falling into the hands of those merciless Philistines, who go about the 
country like roaring lions seeking whom they may devour. 

Companies E and D have been making double-quick marches to 
Dedham village by the three-mile route. An uninterrupted run of 
three miles is something incredible to the uninitiated. " Corporal" and 
five others confess, with proper self-abasement, that the last mile was 
rather too nuicli for them, especially as your correspondent was tortured 
by a pair of new boots. AVe fell out. The first man who " caved in'" 
was Tachi-r — a coincidence worthy the notice of one of your cotem- 
poraries. By seasonably falling out, we escaped rushes of blood, palpi- 
tations of the heart, and further abrasions of the feet, but we were soon 
placed in mortal terror of the provost guard. We saw their blue 
habiliments and burnished muskets in the distance, and rushed precipi- 
tately into the first wayside building. They did not discover us, but Ave 
saw their wagon enter the village of Dedham close upon the heels of 
those who had out-winded us. We fondly hoped that our comrades 
would get arrested — so amiable is lumian nature ; but the guard saw 
their formidable numbers and passed by on the other side. In the place 
where Tucker and his fellow recusants sought seclusion, we were hos- 
pitably regaled with apples, and then soon after started upon our return 
to camp by another road. A tint of blue in the distance re-awakened 
our fears of the provost. We rushed into a barn and peeped through 
half-closed doors, until a lady in cerulean garb drove past and relieved 
us of our innnediate terror. A little further along, the familiar notifi- 
cation of " vegetable oysters and refreshments" induced us to invest in 
a bottle of pop beer. " Vegetable oysters," although loudly demand- 
ed, were not to be had. At last the ill-disguised scorn of the woman 
who kept the place recommended us to leave. Who should we next 
encounter but two soldiei's ? They doubtless belonged to the provost ; 
but we put a bold fece upon the matter, and determined to stand the 
chances. They were not the provost. They might think we were, so 
we demanded their passes in the most business-like manner we could 
assume, and they were produced, although not without manifest 
distrust of our functions. We pronounced the passes satisfactory, and 
then proceeded camp-ward with aching sides and manifestations of severe 
colic, which further excited the suspicions of the two artillerymen with 
passes. A little while before dinner, a small " awkward squad" might 
have been seen descending the railroad embankment near Camp Meigs, 
and then proceeding, crab-like, by the right and left flanks, until it safely 



18 LETTERS FROM THE 

passed the lines. The main party had nctt arrived, and we confidently 
reported them in the hands of the provost. On the contrary, as we 
learned upon their arrival, they had been detained by a number of 
beautiful Samaritans habitant along the road, who came out laden with 
apples and pears, which were distributed among the soldiers with smiles 
and kind words. Several fellows came back to camp with hearts and 
pedal extremities equally damaged. 

Our rifles have been distributed at last, and we have commenced drill- 
ing in the manual with great industry. We are going strictly by " the 
book," and have to unlearn some things peculiar to the tactics of Colonel 
Stevenson, formerly of the Fourth Battalion. This gentleman, by the 
way, visited us on Wednesday, and was cordially received. If he had 
arrived at the time he was expected, a formal demonstration by the 
entire regiment would have been made in his honor. We were all 
drawn up in line for that purpose, but it is not improbable that " Tom," 
as his old military confreres fondly call him, got wind of the proceeding. 

The rumors given in my last concerning stricter camp discipline were 
chiefly true. We are not allowed to eat in the barracks. The order 
concerning extras from home has not been rigidly enforced, and our 
friends have been allowed to remember us with many little comforts, 
and to assist at many delightful messes in the company streets. As a 
screw has lately worked loose in the matter of rations, it must be con- 
fessed that these attentions from our friends have proved most fortunate. 
Some of the boys will have it that the interests of the regimental sutler 
were consulted in the late promulgation about provisions in the barracks, 
and several companies have voted not to patronize that individual. Tt 
is certainly difficult to conceive why dainties from home are more 
objectionable in a military point of view than those from the sutler's 
stores. In this connection, " Corporal " would state that Company D, 
in the matter of rations, owes much to the liberality of Corporal Page. 

On TImrsday we had a grand cleaning out of barracks. Everything 
was removed from them, and exposed to the air and sunshine. Most 
of the regiment being absent on escort duty, the task devolved upon a 
few. It was a work of vandalism. Cherished shelves, pictures, flags, 
and flowers came down at one fell swoop. The personal eff'ects of 
absentees were tumbled down and bestowed in promiscuous piles into 
the bunks, and then carried outside. They comprised a heterogeneous 
collection of valuables, like pats of butter, soap, packs of cards and 
Testaments, tooth-brushes and cutlery, spare clothing and baskets, 
haversacks, havclocks, night-caps and smoking-caps, pipes, tobacco 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 19 

and matches, now and tlien a bottle, and cue umbrella. Having the 
example before them of the army in Flanders, the absentees of the 
44th swore when they came back and witnessed the "improvements'" 
which had been made while they were away. 

We have occasional evening entertainments here in the shape of 
gromid and lofty tumbling (en cosfii7ne) and sparring matches. Between 
our hours of drill, camp duties, reception of visitors, music, letter- 
writing, &c., there is no possibility of time dragging upon our hands. 
Now visitors are restricted to the hours between half past four and half 
past eight P. M. Among the testimonials of the past week was the 
presentation to Orderly Tripp, of Company D, (Captain Sullivan) of a 
beautifid sword, sash and belt. The company are much attached to 
their orderly for his modest and efficient way of performing the many 
and arduous duties appertaining to his post. Orderly Sumner, of Captain 
Kendall's company, who is also highly spoken of, has received a similar 
compliment. 

Our Surgeon, Dr. Ware, of Boston, is drawing a tight rein over the 
regiment. His experience upon the Peninsula has given him notions 
of sanitary discipline which some think too severe for soldiers in bar- 
racks at home. He has stripped our quarters of everything but prime 
necessaries, and we are reduced to a very bald condition indeed. We 
shall probably see the wisdom of this severity more clearly by and by. 
At present a majority of the boys don't see it at all. Thursday night 
we tried the experiment of sleeping without straw in our bunks. It 
didn't work, and now we propose to provide ourselves with canvas 
bags to keep the straw in place, and thus avoid the continual nuisance 
of straw litter inside and out. 

On Thursday detachments from six companies of our regiment acted 
as escort at the funeral of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Dwight. Con- 
sidering the short time of our practice in the manual of arms, the regi- 
ment was awarded the credit of great proficiency, particularly in the 
firing of vollies. Colonel Stevenson paid the regiment the highest 
compliment. 

Among other things for the convenience of the soldiers is the 
arrangement made by Brigadier-General Pierce to have two regular 
mails daily. Letters directed " Camp Meigs, Boston," with the letter 
of the company and the number of the regiment, will reach their des- 
tination promptly. Mails close in Boston at seven A. M., and two 
P. M. The arrangement thus far has worked admirably. 

The Brigadier was serenaded last night by our band, which went to 



20 LETTERS FROM THE 

his quarters, accompanied by the Colonel, staff and line officers, aU of 
whom received the hospitable courtesies of the commanding General. 

On Frida}- the old members of the Fourth Battalion were pleased to 
witness the beaming countenance of ex-Adjutant Soule, late military 
superintendent of plantations in South Carolina. Mr. Soule was Ad- 
jutant of the Battalion when it was sworn into the United States service 
last May. He now declares his intention of going with us as a private 
soldier. We shall be glad to welcome him into our ranks. 

In closing this letter, " Corporal" must acknowledge a kind and most 
substantial remembrancer from a noble woman in Clinton, whose gift 
was accompanied by a note full of sentiments of patriotism, and per- 
sonal interest in the soldier. Her kindness will not be forgotten by 
your correspondent or his " mess." 



Ix Barracks at Readville, ^ 
Saturday, Oct. 4, 1862. ) 
The past week Col. Lee has wisely varied our drill by taking the 
regiment on marches through portions of the country surrounding Camp 
Meigs. Our first of these marches, after escort duty at the funeral of 
the late Lt. Col. Dwight, was through that portion of Milton of which 
we have such delightful glimpses from the camp. We were forced to 
breathe dust freely, but through the clouds which rose wherever the 
regiment moved we caught refreshing views of stately homesteads, 
blushing orchards, and autumn-tinted landscapes. We were halted a 
mile from camp, and treated to cool water in front of an elm-shaded 
farm house overlooking a bend in a smooth stream just where a herd 
of cows were enjoying their forenoon delectation. If they had arranged 
themselves for picturesque effect they couldn't have done better. If the 
reader Avould see apples upon the wayside trees "like apples of gold in 
pictures of silver," let him take a warm, dusty march of six miles past 
orchards laden with September fruitage. Since the march to Jlilton 
we have surprised the good people of Mill Village and round about 
Dedliam Court House by a sudden appearance in their midst. For the 
gratification of our many friends who are anxiously watching the pro- 
gress of this regiment, I liave to report that our nuirching extorted 
great praise fi-om Col. Lee, who, by the way, is quite as prompt to give 
us a sound blowing up as he is to compliment*. In point of fact, he 
does neither by halves. His outspoken frankness and generosity are 
creatinir him ho^^t^ of warm friends in the retriment. 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 21 

Our camp has not been without one or two episodes of " romance in 
real life," to coin a phrase. Last Sunday— a day exactly answering tu 
the description of the poet — 

'» sad, and dark, and dreary," — 

the camp of the 44th was visited by a pale fair one in quest of her " be- 
trayer." Betrayer, a moustached young fellow not unknown among 
the Boston sports, attempted to play the stranger. The dodge was un- 
successful. The young woman proclaimed that he was her lovyer, and 
moustache was finally obliged to succumb. They met at the guard 
house. What passed between them is not known, but enough was 
guessed at to seriously affect the sensibilities of the susceptible young 
sergeant on duty upon that occasion. After the interview, the young 
woman started to leave the field, but being overtaken by a real fainting 
fit, was brought back by a corporal's guard, and a new opportunity was 
thus afforded the gallant lieutenants at that post to render any assis- 
tance which the circumstances might require. Lieut. Forbes especially 
signalized himself by his delicate attentions ; and it should be men- 
tioned that a large number of other lieutenants signified their willing- 
ness to be serviceable in the same direction. " Corporal" is happy to 
be assured that the young woman is likely to smndve her rather doubt- 
ful heart-wounds. 

Since the above was written, it is rumored that the parties are man 

and wife. 

There is no great harmony in camp upon the subject of music. A 
proposition to defray the future expense of the Boston Brass Band at 
the rate of five cents a day per man was not agreed to. Many of us 
will be sorry to lose the band, which acquits itself very creditably, but 
we shall have left to us the consolation of Dan Simpson's drum and the 
veteran Smith's fife. For sixty odd years has the latter been without 
a peer upon the instrument he uses, and now it does the soul good 
to hear his trills at tattoo and revielle, as we stand in the company 
street for roll-call. May he never be without something to wet his 

whistle ! 

We received marching orders last Thursday, and are going to New- 
bern, N. C, as soon as a transport vessel can be got in readiness. At 
Newbern it is expected we shall be brigaded under General, now 
Colonel, Stevenson. This will be gratifying to the regiment. 

" Corporal" is requested to correct a statement which crept into his 
last letter to the effect that private Tucker, of Co. D, was the first to 



22 LETTERS FROM THE 

cave ill on the late double-quick march to Dedham. It .should have 
read " one of the first." Your correspondent has no desire to 
sacrifice truth to a pun. Tucker is doubtless a man of bottom as well 
as speed. 

Among the testimonials to officers in the 44th should be mentioned 
the presentation of a sword, sash and belt to Orderly Cunningham, of 
Company C, and a sword, sash, belt and pistol to Orderly Buck of 
Company B. 

Our indefatigable surgeon is organizing and training a corps of assis- 
tants who are to lend their aid to the wounded upon the field of battle. 
The training consists of binding up iniaginaiy wounds, pointing out the 
position of arteries, showing how to handle fractured limbs, placing 
men upon litters, and showing how to carry them Avith the least possi- 
ble disturbance of the wounded parts. 

Since my last the ventilation of the barracks has been improved by 
sawing out holes in the walls, close to the floors. This is going to the 
bottom of the matter. The idea of getting rid of carbonic acid gas by 
forcing it up through the sky-lights is an exploded one, and ought to 
be forced out of the minds of those who argue that " bad air rises." 

Mr. Steffen, formerly a captain in the Prussian service, and recently 
instructor of the Massachusetts Kiflc Club, is a fi-equent ^nsitor to our 
regiment, and is now delivering a series of military lessons to our 
officers. Mr. Steffen is a well educated gentleman, and a military in- 
structor of decided accomplishments. 

Since Lieutenant Forbes signalized himself by his gallantry to a dis- 
tressed fair one, he has figured less agreeably in another affair, and has 
resigned his commission. His offense appears to have been in putting 
too much stress upon the subordination due from privates to non-com- 
missioned officers, especially corporals. Ilis language, it must be con- 
fessed, was more forcible than elegant, and bordered too strongly upon 
the profane to escape the censure of Colonel Lee, who asked the lieut- 
enant to resign or submit to a court-martial. 

Yesterday and to-day short furloughs have been freely granted, and 
there is a general impression that they are our last ones. We may not, 
however, leave for a week or two yet. 

Your correspondent notices in the Boston Advertiser the following 
statement concerning Company F, Captain Storrow, of the 44th Regi- 
ment, which was prepared by a member of that company. The men 
were measured in their stockings, which accounts for the average being 
somewhat below the common standard. All men are set down as 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 23 

"drinking" who are not conscientiously opposed to the use of ardent 
sjDirit in any fonn and under all circumstances, as a beverage : 

" Of ninety-eight warrant officers and privates, in politics sixty-five 
were straight Republicans, fourteen conservative Republicans, and three 
radical Republicans ; eleven Union, three Democrats, one Abolitionist, 
and one undecided. 

Thirty-two worship at the Unitarian Church, twenty-one at the Con- 
gregationalist, nineteen at the jMethodist, fourteen at the Episcopal, 
eight at the Baptist, and four at the Universalist. Thirty-four are com- 
municants of churches as follows : fourteen of the Methodist church, 
seven of the Congregational, five of the Episcopal, three of the Unita- 
rian, three of the Baptist, and two of the Universalist. 

The average age of the company is thirty-two years seven and seven- 
teen forty-ninths days. The youngest man is seventeen years old, and 
the oldest forty. 

The average height is five feet seven and nine-one hundred and nine- 
ty-sixths inches. The shortest man is five feet three and one-quarter 
inches, the tallest six feet one and one-quarter inches. 

The average Aveight of the company is one hundred and thirty-seven 
and seventeen forty-ninth pounds. The heaviest man weighs one hun- 
dred and sixty-five pounds, the lightest one hundred and fifteen pounds. 

Forty-four are set down as drinking ; seven as drinking nothing 
stronger than eider and ale ; and forty-seven as not drinking ardent 
spirits in any shape. 

Fifty-seven smoke and forty-four do not ; twenty-three neither drink 
nor smoke ; thirty-three both drink and smoke ; twenty-four smoke, but 
do not drink; and eighteen drink, but do not smoke. 

There are nine married men and three widowers in the company, and 
sixteen admit that they are engaged to be married. 

The occupations of the company, present and prospective, are as 
follows : 

Thirty-seven intend to be or are merchants ; four clergymen, eight 
lawyers, five farmers, four " literateurs," two physicians, two engineers, 
two printers, two cabinet makers, two machinists, two musicians, and 
one of each of the following : chemist, soldier, boot and shoe maker, 
manufacturer, provision dealer, banker, marble-worker, blacksmith, sail- 
maker, tea-broker, baker, druggist, expressman, jeweler, salesman, 
bookkeeper ; ten are undecided. 

There are in the company sixteen graduates and undergraduates, all 
from Harvard. 



24 LETTERS FROM THE 

Ix Barracks at Ready ille, ^ 
Saturday, Oct. 11, 18G2. ) 
The close of another week still finds us 

i' Down by the Readville farm," 

and, with the exception of yesterday and to-day, a glorious week we 
have had ; choice October days, such as call 

" the squirrel and the bee 

From out their woodland home." 

Indian Siinimer days, fit to inspire poetry in minds most prosaic; a 
warm sun, an empurpled atmosphere, soft breatliing winds, and painted 
forests to feed the eye withal ; glorious moon-lit nights and music to 
invite visitors; to render charming the duties of the sentinel, "pacing 
his lonely beat," and to render a healthy life altogether beautifiil. A 
late sunset afforded a spectacle gorgeous as a dream of fairy land. As 
such a cloud-scene occurs no more than once or twice in a life-time, I 
cannot forbear to mention the magnificent assembling and coloring of 
clouds which waited upon the retiring day-king on Tuesday, and im- 
pressed every beholder with something of celestial beauty. To live in 
the midst of such scenes and such surroundings are among the soldiers 
recompenses. Happy for the soldier if he retains the power to enjoy 
them ! 

Wednesday afternoon and evening brought us a host of visitors. 
The rumors of our near departure brought a perfect cloud of friends. 
The evening was magnificent, and the tide of social enjoyment ran higli. 
The band discoursed its best music, and our compau}' glee clubs filled 
the interims quite acceptably. Our leading singers have a large reper- 
tory of fine sentimental songs, in addition to a large number of impro- 
visations based upon the "Fourth Battalion" chorus, which runs in 
this wise : — 

" Fourth Battalion, 'talion, 

Fourth Battalion, 'talion, 

Fourth Battalion, 

Down by the Bigelow farm." 

The novelty of our diet has suggested such parodies as the following : 

" Ham for brcakfost, breakfast, 
Ham for breakfast, breakfast, 
Ham for breakfast, 
Down by the Readville farm. 

Ham for dinner, dinner, 
Ham for dinner, dinner, 
H;im fiir dinner, 
Down by the Readville farm." 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 25 

And so on for supper. Then again the chorus is varied by substi- 
tuting the word rice for ham, and with equal effect. MiUtary lessons 
are sometimes conveyed in the same air, as follows : 

" Keep your butts back, butts back, 
Keep your butts back, butts back, 
Keep your butts back, 
Down by the Readville farm." 

Then again : 

" Thir-teen inches, inches, 
Thir-teen inches, inches, 
Thir-teen inches, 
From breast to back." 

Another favorite route-step song is known as " Saw my leg oif," set 
to an old devotional air, and comprised in these four words, frequentlv 
repeated, with the addition of the word ''short," pronounced in the 
most abrupt and explosive manner of which human lungs are capable. 
The effect is rather sublime, as may be imagined. 

On Thursday we were treated to a magnificent march over Brush 
Hill — our first brush. Every inch of the route, which carried us over 
the most beautiful portion of Milton, and past the residences of the 
Forbeses, was picturesque as the dream of a poet. Let those who may 
think this comparison overwrought, pursue the same route one of these 
fine October days, and then pause to catch the view of sea and landscape 
from Milton Hill. Our march, which included a distance of fourteen 
miles, was, considering the state of the atmosphere, the severest of our 
experience ; but it was cheered by the smiles and waving handkerchiefs 
of beautiful women in windows, gateways, balconies, and groves ; and 
by their more substantial favors in the shape of apples, pears, and cool 
water. The few men who fell out of the ranks from faintness and ex- 
haustion were of the reputed tougher sort — men of out-door life and 
pursuits. Your professional men and clerks, clean-limbed and elastic, 
are the men to endure hardships, all the talk to the contrary notwith- 
standing. This, I believe, was the observation of the " Little Cor- 
poral." 

Among the late testimonials in the 44th deserving of mention, are 
the presentation of a knife, fork, and spoon, in a neat case, to each of 
the recruits fifom Framingham, by their friends in that town, and a 
sword, sash, belt, and various smaller articles of value and convenience, 
to Orderly Edmands, of Company A, by his friends in that company. 

Yom- correspondent, and the other members of Company D, are in- 



26 LETTERS FROM THE 

debted to Corporal Gardner for the introduction of a company dog — 
Romeo, a promising felloAv, wlio.se laughing countenance, waving tail, 
and general intelligence have already won him a host of fi-iends. Sev- 
eral of the boys are industriously laboring to reconcile him to the society 
of a cat which has come to our barrack. 

Mr. Burrage, of the firm of J. M. Beebe & Co., has presented to 
each member of Company C, Captain Lombard, one of Short's patent 
box knapsacks. If they can be manufactured in season to supply us 
before our departure South, the other members of the regiment will 
probably supply themselves with this knapsack at their own expense, 
which will amount to S2.50 per man. This knapsack is so adjusted to 
the shoulders as to be carried with much greater ease than the govern- 
ment article. 

At this writing it is generall}' believed that we shall sail for Newborn 
about the middle of next week. For particular information on this 
point, and also with reference to state-rooms and sleeping cars, the 
public is directed to tlie Quartermaster's Department, where tickets for 
sucli like mythical accommodations are freely dispensed for satisfactory 
considerations. 

By favor of private Geo. W. Sawin, I am this week enabled to give 
the following statistics of Company D, Captain Sullivan: 

Clerks fifty-four, merchants five, farmers foiu-, carpenters two, hotel 
keepers two, marble workers two, and one each of the following: astron- 
omer, sailor, piano-forte tuner, ci^'il engineer, architect, blacksmith, 
druggist, glass-blower, jeweller, shoe dealer, surveyor, clergyman, editor, 
machine stitcher, designer. Seven are under-graduates and one a grad- 
uate of Tufts College, one an under-graduate of Harvard and one of 
Yale. Ninety are single, seven married, and three " engaged." Thirty- 
three are Unitarians, thirty Universalists, thirteen Orthodox, ten liap- 
tists, three Episcopalians, two Swedenborgians, one Presbyterian, one 
^lethodist, four undecided. Five are church communicants. 

Sixty-one are Republicans, and seven ask to be recorded as Aboli- 
tionists. The whole sixty-one sustain the emancipation proclamation. 
There is one " conservative" Republican, thirteen " Union " men, four 
Douglas Democrats, nine Democrats, and two undecided. 

Forty-two do not drink distilled liquors, fifty-five do. The oldest 
man is aged thirty-three, the youngest eighteen. The average age is 
twenty-two and two ninety-sevenths. The average height, in shoes, is 
five feet nine and one-half inches. The tallest man is six feet one inch 
higli ; the shortest man five feet three inches. The heaviest man weigh.< 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 27 

one hundred and eiglitj'-four pounds; the lightest one hundred and 
fifteen. The average weight is one hundred and forty-two -ninety- 
sevenths pounds. 



In Barkacks at Readville, 

Saturday, Oct. 18, 1862. 



I 



When in my last I made allusion to our company dog Romeo and 
his feline companion, we covdd not foresee the sad and sudden rupture 
of all the relations between us. On Sunday a fiat from headquarters 
sent Romeo out of camp ; the succeeding night pussy departed this 
life. Did she die of grief at the loss of Romeo? No one can say; 
but general opinion inclines to catalepsy. Her little stiifened body 
was encoffined in a paper box, and placed in the centre of the barrack. 
A small American flag was thrown over it, and the boys gathering 
about the remains sung Pleyel's Hymn with an appearance of solem- 
nity that was altogether irresistible. The remains were then carefully 
placed upon an extemporized bier, and borne to the rear of the kitchen 
in the midst of a formidable guard of honor, marching with arms 
reversed, and chanting doleful symphonies. The weeping skies were 
in sympathy with the occasion ; and the clouds were soon shedding tears 
upon the turf imprisoning the pet of the barrack. Imaginary voUies 
were fired, but all was not over. The funeral party had no sooner 
returned to the barrack than rumors of foul play began to circulate. 
A horrid secret was believed to be involved in the death of the cat. 
Suspicion fell upon a man whose bunk she had lately occupied, and 
who had been heard to utter threats against pussy for certain alleged 
rank offenses. The suspected party was arrested, a court organized, 
the defendant tried, convicted, and sentenced to subsist two days upon 
the rations. The unhappy man, anticipating his fate, made tln-ee 
desperate attempts to escape, but was foiled in each instance, and 
forced to submit to tlie decree of justice. 

A large number of the regiment have submitted to vaccination. 
"Corporal" desires to acknowledge the neat and thorough manner in 
which our assistant surgeon. Dr. Fisher, performed the operation. 
As the necessity of severe sanitary discipline is becoming apparent to 
all, the fidelity of Dr. Ware and his assistant are regarded with more 
favor than at first. 

The close resemblance between the life of a soldier in barrack and 
that of a State Prison convict, regarded in certain outward aspects, 



28 LETTERS FROM THE 

affords mingled amusement and disgust. We go for our rations in 
single file, and with tin mugs and plates. The intercourse between 
officers and subordinates is scarcely less reserved ; and the punishment 
for small offenses scarcely less severe with the soldier than the prisoner. 
On inspection days we stand up like well-burnished automata, and 
are as sensitive to praise or censure regarding the condition of our 
quarters, guns, &c., as so many children. At our meals and in our 
bunks we are stared at by visitors just as I remember to have stared 
at the happy family of "Honorable Gideon Haynes," at Charlestown, 
on various occasions. When impelled by " sanitary reasons," our 
keen-eyed surgeons pass through the barracks to see that nothing 
contraband nestles in the bunks, that the blankets and overcoats are 
accurately folded, and that only a certain amount of clothing and bag- 
gage per man is retained, we stand about and gaze at them just as 
your readers will remember they were gazed at by the inmates of the 
House of Correction which they visited not long ago. On these occa- 
sions your correspondent amuses himself by imaginatively regarding 
private A., with wild hair, as a desperate burglar; private B., of retiring 
manners, as an incorrigible thief; private L., the gay Lothario, as a 
heartless deceiver and bigamist; hirsute private T., smoking the imr\-i- 
table briarwood, as a notorious but chivalric foot-pad; privates F., S., 
6cc., of auburn hair, as the persistent incendiaries; and so on. 

More princely donations have been made to some of the companies 
of the 44th regiment. To Co. C, Captain Richardson, Wm. Cumston, 
Esq., of the firm of Hallett & Cumston, has presented a check for five 
hundred dollars. 

To the same company donations amounting to three hundred dollars, 
for the purchase of the improved knapsack, have been made by the 
following gentlemen : 

J. M. Beebe & Co., F. Skinner &l Co., Alexander Beal, C. W. Cart- 
wright, W. P. Sargent, J. R. Tibbcts, Read, Gardner & Co., Wilkinson, 
Stetson & Co., J. C. Converse & Co., E. & F. King &, Co., Horatio 
Harris, Gorham Rogers. 

To Co. H, Captain Smith, C. F. Hovey & Co. have presented a full 
set of the patent knapsacks. Co. K, Captain Reynolds, have been 
favored in the same way by a number of friends of that company, and 
Captain Reynolds lias received from the men of his company the gift 
of a splendid sword. Co. F, Captain Storrow, have received the 
present of a set of patent knapsacks. The generous donor is too 
modest to let his name be known, but it is surmised that a young 
corporal of Co. F knows all about it. 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGBIEXT. 29 

The wife of Col. Lee has kindly remembered each soldier of the 
regiment by the gift of a little testimonial card, upon one side of which 
is printed the Old Hundreth Psalm, and upon the other the name of 
the recipient written in a neat hand. 

On Wednesday we were visited by Governor Andrew and his military 
family. We received His Excellency with all the honors, and then 
marched in review. It is believed that better marchinar and wheelino-s 
than those exhibited by the 44th regiment on this occasion have rarelv 
been witnessed by Governor Andrew or any other Governor. 

I believe the Governor was accompanied by some members of the 
Sanitary Commission ; but the investigations of that body of gentle- 
men were nearly confined to the cuisine at headquarters. They cer- 
tainly couldn't be expected to labor upon empty stomachs; but when 
they had satisfied their hunger, it was too late to see the barracks by 
day-light. We shall accept the omission as a mark of confidence in 
the cleanliness and good order of this regiment. 

We have had a good share of dismal weather the past week, and 
have not been allowed the consolation of smoking in the barracks ; 
but the boys have managed to keep the blue devils at bay with mock 
parades and shows of great effectiveness. One day the camp was 
electrified by the appearance of an exceedingly well got up elephant, 
not unprovided with a tail, and waving a trunk of twisted shoddy. 
Another day we were visited by citizens of Brobdignag, ten feet high 
in their stockings. 

Yesterday we made a march of twelve miles through West Roxbury 
and Dedham. On the way we caught a dim and fleeting glimpse of 
dear old Boston rising bej'ond a succession of tree-crowned hills. 
I remember the scene as a beautiful phantasmagoria, such as will come 
to us in clreams while we encamp upon Southern soil. The march was 
less delightful than that to Milton Hill. The day was murky, and the 
air lifeless. There was little to impart zest to the exercise. Sunlight 
is as important for out-door physical enjoyment as fresh air, and a 
soldier makes a mistake in choosing a cloudy day for a march. 

We now expect to remain at Readville till the close of the war, 
except in case Readville is invaded by the enemy, when we shall make 
a masterly retreat to Mill Village. 

To protect us against the strong winds of the inclement season 
approaching, as well as to impart an air of sylvan beauty to the camp, 
a dense gi-ove of pine saplings has been planted a little to the South 
of the barracks. Great praise is due to Lieut. Stebbins, our unwearied 



30 LETTERS FROM THE 

chief of police tkis week, for the well-considered arrangement of thi^ 
great work. 



Ix THE Cars, "Wednesday Morning, \ 
Oct. 22, 1862. j 

I have just time during our run into Boston this morning to say 
"good bye" to your readers until we arrive at Newbern, N. C. After 
seven weeks and a half of barrack life at Readville, we at last find 
ourselves en route for Dixie. To the experience of these seven weeks 
and a half we shall doubtless many times revert as the poetry of our 
military experience. There was no little heart in the cheers we gave 
for the "old camp" as we stood for the last time in the company 
streets. The old camp at Readville is fraught with pleasant memories 
of soldierly discipline, of the faithfulness and kindness of our officers, 
of genial companionship, and a thousand incommunicable pleasures 
of social life, multiplied and enhanced by the visits and offerings of 
hosts of friends from Boston and elsewhere. 

At our dress parades last evening, after devotional services, our 
Colonel met a response in the heart of every man in his regiment when 
he called for three times three for the "good old State and the dear 
ones we leave behind us." The cheers were given with emphasis; and 
so were nine others for Col. Lee. " Boys," said the Colonel in response, 
I know you meant those cheers for all your officers. Whatever may be 
your fortune hereafter, rest assured we shall stand by you. Let us all 
perform our duty to the State and the L'nited States, and may God 
help us all ! " The emotion exhibited by Col. Lee was communicated 
through the regiment, and there were many wet eyes among soldiers 
and spectators as we marched back to the barracks. 

As soon as practicable, I shall resume this correspondence, confi- 
dent that it will find readers among the many friends of the 44th 
in Boston. 



On Board Transport Steamer Merrimac, ) 

Oct. 23, 1862. f 
We lay off Deer Island the niglit of our embarkation, (last night) 
and about six o" clock this morning weighed anchor. Tt was pleasant to 
sleep one night more so near to dear old Boston, where we knew so 
many hearts were throbbing at the thought of us. The thousands of 
lights whicli came to us in a semi-circle from over the water, seemed 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, 31 

like tlie steady beaming of so many loving eyes, and maybe om* dreams 
were the sweeter for the fancy. Don't imagine, however, that we all 
slept as quietly as we did in those luxurious bunks at Eeadville. The 
44th Regiment occupies the lower deck of the Merrimac, and has 
already had a decided flavor of life in the steerage. Here we are, " the 
flower" (or flour) " of the youth of Boston," {vide Boston Journal of 
October 23,) packed like so many herrings in the steerage. Om- bunks 
are not half as good as those at Readville, and, sad to say, we have»"t 
enough even of these. They aff"ord us little more than space enough 
in which to turn over. Here and there we are afi"orded a small glim- 
mer of light from the deck, and a little fi-esh air by devious channels. 
Into the bunk of your correspondent it happens to come in an unpleas- 
antly strong current, as if to rebuke his former passionate professions 
of love for fresh air under more favorable circumstances, or as a piece 
of retributive justice for opening doors and windows against the pro- 
tests of tender comrades. 

The five hundred men of the Third Ecgiment who accompany us, 
and who are known by their black overcoats as the " men in mourning," 
are better commoded between decks, one story above us. They will 
do, but as for ourselves, as we lie stretched out here in this dark, rep- 
tile sort of existence, we are fain to ask ourselves if we are really intel- 
ligent beings with souls; if the " flower " has I'eally come to this; if 
the " pet of many a household," [vide Boston Transcript of Oct. 22) 
has really been reduced to treatment no better than that of the poorest 
emigrant. But we ought not to grumble while scores of our regiment 
are obliged to stretch themselves upon the cold deck, upon the hatches, 
passage ways, &c. ; and we do not grumble. Your correspondent only 
gives fads. He, like many others, expected to " rough it," and rather 
likes it. 

Our breakfast this morning was a mug of very muddy cofi"ee, and a 
piece of bread. For dinner we were afforded boiled beef and potatoes 
and coffee, but no bread. We could get along better with this but for 
occasional tantalizing sights and smells of poultry and puddings and 
garden vegetables which grace the cabin tables. Our officers confess 
that they live like fighting cocks, but they should have the credit of sin- 
cerely commiserating our unavoidable treatment. 0, genial-hearted 
lobster-man of the rubicund face and Pickwickian aspect, who rose to 
bless us in Commercial street, could you but waftfus one fish from your 
shelly store, we know how much good it would do you and us ; but to- 
night, alas, we were forced to sup on bread and water, with a dessert of 



32 LETTERS FROM THE 

aggravating conversation about porter house steaks, cold chicken, warm 
biscuit, etc., etc. If we live we will have our revenge some day at 
Parker's goodly hostelry. 

Friday, Oct. 24. 

It is said that wo made sixteen miles an hour last night, running 
ninety-six miles in six hours. We have passed Montauk Light, and at 
this writing (between eight and nine o'clock) we are supposed to be 
somewhere off the Jersey shore. Our consort, the Mississippi, has 
been in sight over our starboard quarter all the morning. Thus far the 
weather has been extremely favorable, but we have not all escaped the 
misery of sea-sickness — a malady which nmst have been aggravated by 
our close, ill-ventilated quarters, and the unavoidable filth attending the 
herding together of fifteen hundred men on shipboard. Scarcely a 
breath of air was stirring last night, and very little came down to our 
bunks. After remaining on deck a few moments this morning, an at- 
tempt to penetrate to our quarters induced a nausea which we found 
impossible to endure, and so we incontinently rushed upon deck to 
swallow our rations, without the intervention of spoon or plate. We 
were first served to a large piece of bread and a nmg of coffee, and 
then to parboiled rice, which rattled upon our plates. 0, Readville 
rations, bad as you might have been, may the tongue that utters aught 
against you cleave to the roof of the slanderer's mouth. It is expected 
we are to have beef for dinner, as several noble quarters were not long 
since dragged along close by the rear of the horses' stalls, on their way 
to the boilers, where they were set to cooking without washing. 

We wish our friends could see us at meal times. We are a study 
for an artist at those interesting periods. We are obliged to eat on the 
upper deck. One fellow is seen burying his nose in a loaf of bread, 
another gnaws a beef bone until his face is resplendant with grease ; 
but the colored boy of the color company, making his dinner from a 
mass of fat and gristle, is the observed of all observers. His face 
shines like varnished ebony, but he is still intent upon his greasy repast, 
and oblivious to the smiles and jeers of the amused spectators who sur- 
round him. Feed away, juvenile Ethiop, woolly headed Mark Tapley, 
may nothing come between you and jolliness forever. 

This afternoon we were signalled by the Mississippi, when she came 
up to within hailing distance. Hearty cheers were exchanged between 
the swarms on the decks of either steamer. AVe were glad to notice on 
board the ^Mississippi one lieutenant and a number of non-coms, whom 
the Merrimae had unfortunately left liehind. As night shuts in we are 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. oo 

supposed to be off Fortress Monroe. "We have a balmy atmosphere 
and a brisk wind from the west. Hundreds of the boys have stretched 
themselves for sleep upon the upper deck. 

Saturday, Oct. 25. 

This morning we are supposed to be steaming along between Fort- 
ress Monroe and Cape Hatteras. The sea is smooth, and the genial 
breath of the South is upon us. We feel as if Spring-time had come 
upon us suddenly, and those not afflicted with sea-sickness feel good 
this morning. The Mississippi is just ahead of us. 

On board these two steamers are three thousand soldiers with arms 
and accoutrements. We are the same as defenceless. From our vast 
navy of war vessels not even one little gunboat has been spared to 
escort vxs to our destination, and this in the face and eyes of the fact 
that a number of formidable rebel privateers are scouring the seas and 
scattering destruction in their path. Is there any apology for such risk 
and negligence ? We cannot see it. 

As the weather becomes soft, genial and glorious upon deck, our 
situation below grows more intolerable. It is almost impossible to 
exaggerate the uncomfortable, unhealthy character of our quarters upon 
the lower deck. A prison dungeon is not worse supplied with air and 
sunlight ; and to make matters still worse, the ship has but a miserable 
supply of lanterns at night. It is to be acknowledged that there are a 
few feeble devices for sending air below, but they are altogether inade- 
quate. With the splendid machinery on board this steamer, it would 
be an easy matter by the iTse of fans to thoroughly ventilate every por- 
tion of the ship. In the course of another century, ship-builders will 
learn, as house-builders are now learning, that means must be employed 
for the introduction of a plenty of fresh air into all structures where 
men are herded together. We cannot be too thankful that the weather 
has been so favorable since we left Boston. A thousand sick men in 
such quarters as these would have made a hell afloat. Now I would 
like to speak a good word for the ship. She is staunch, steady, swift 
and well officered. She has carried twenty-three hundred men, but 
only a thousand and comfort can dwell together upon her decks. The 
few who get a chance to wash their hands and faces are obliged to do 
so in salt water. It is reported that Capt. Sampson was quite thunder- 
struck by a request of our officers that he would aff'ord us means of 
daily ablutions, and that he remarked we were the first regiment he 
ever carried who had expressed a desire to wash their hands and faces. 

Our " holy friars," the black-coated men of the 3d regiment, appear 



34 LETTERS FROM THE 

to be a good set of fellows, and we all get along most amicably 
together. Col. Richmond and Major Morrissey accompany this half of 
the regiment. 

We have been thoughtfully regaled with an apple apiece a day, and 
they have proved wonderfully refreshing, especially as we are allowed 
but two meals a day on shipboard. Now, AA'hen we most need a sutler, 
no sutler is to be seen, although at rare intervals we can buy hard 
apples at five cents apiece, and cake at fifty cents a pound. Last even- 
ing Co. F were regaled with a dish of tea by some Grood Samaritan, 
said to be Capt. Storrow, who is highly praised for his careful attention 
to the men of his command. I wish to bear similar testimony in behalf 
of the officers of Co. D, Capt. Sullivan and Lieuts. Blake and Stebbins. 

I wash my fun-loving readers could have stood at the hatchway 
between decks this morning, and seen the soldiers slide down the slip- 
pery stairs". Some carried mugs of coffee with no other apparent 
object than to pour the beverage upon the heads and .shoulders of 
those who preceded them. The libation was not greatly enjoyed ex- 
cept by a crowd of spectators at the foot of the stairs, who hailed every 
accident and discomfiture of the sort with shouts of laughter. 

Sunday Mokning, Oct. 26. 

At 9 o'clock this morning we are in near view of the North Carolina 
coast, and doubtless very near Beaufort. Last night, like all the 
weather during the voyage, was delightful, and the long upper deck 
was literally packed with sleepers lying at every possible angle and 
posture, with arms and legs affectionately crossed and interlocked. 
The general health of the men remains excellent. 

Eleven o'clock finds us at the wharf at Morehead City, near Beau- 
fort, and making preparations for a speedy landing in the midst of a 
drizzling rain. 

This letter is written without conveniences, and under the most mis- 
erable and disagreeable circumstances. 

We are soon to take the cars for Newbern. You will hear from me 
there. 



Neavbekx, N. C, Oct. 26, 1862. 

When we stepped from the decks of the ^Merrimac we were provided 

with shelter from a drizzling rain in the depot of the railroad connecting 

Morehead with Newbern : and while there we made the structure ring 

with patriotic and devotional songs — our first salute to Dixie. We were 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 35 

conveyed from Morehead to Newbern on platform cars, and were, of 
course, entirely exposed to the weather. We had scarcely got under 
way before there set in a violent rain, which continued almost without 
intermission until our arrival at Newbei-n. Our garments, of course, 
were thoroughly drenched, but, nevertheless, the trip was highly en- 
joyed. The mild and invigoring pine breezes of the old North State 
contrasted so deliciously with the foetid atmosphere and filth of the 
steamer, that even a drenching rain was insufficient to quench our ex- 
hilaration of spirits. A more miserable and worthless tract of country 
than the barren pine region which we traversed cannot well be imagined, 
so that under all the circumstances of the trip, our lively frame of mind 
may be regarded as quite ^lark Tapleyish. Pickets from the Massa- 
chusetts 27th regiment were scattered along the road at frequent 
intervals. We cheered them, and they cheered us. Some of them 
were sheltered by tents, others in cabins, and some in substantial log 
structures calculated for defence. Occasional negro villages, and scat- 
tering negro huts were objects of lively interest. All hands turned 
out to see us as we shot past. The men showed their entire ivory, and 
the women threw their black arms up and down in the most vehement 
approbation. We also witnessed several good specimens of the real 
Southern "white trash." The country is well calculated to develop 
this species of the genus homo. The women are the most doleftd and 
disgusting looking of their sex. We suspected all of them of looking 
secesh daggers at us. A few did cheer us on after a fashion, waving 
their arms up and down — a sort of melancholy Grod-speed. We doubt 
if they possessed a solitary white handkerchief, or any other white tex- 
tile fabric proper to be displayed on such occasions. We once stopped 
to water the iron horse close by a field of sweet potatoes growing within 
some rebel breastworks erected to command the railroad. The propri- 
etor of the potato patch came forth with his wife and children and pre- 
sented us several handsful of the vegetables, for which they were 
rewarded with vociferous cheers as the train rolled on. 

At dusk we crossed the river Neuse, and found ourselves in the pretty 
little city of Newbern, where, as may be guessed, we received a hearty 
welcome from the Massachusetts men stationed at this place. Our 
friends, the contrabands, were not the least enthusiastic of those who 
welcomed us. We were quartered for the night in a spacious machine 
shop, well lighted with gas. We have just supped upon hard bread 
and codfish broiled upon a forge. An attempt was made to supply us 
with coffee, but it miserably failed, and your correspondent is one of a 



36 LETTERS FROM THE 

respectable number who go to bed without the soldier's chiefest bodily 
consolation. As he closes his record of the day the air in the machine 
shop is thick with hard bread and flying codfish sent from invisible 
hands. 

October 27, 1862. 

Our men are scattered about town this morning, luxuriating upon 
such breakfasts as can be purchased with money. They are constantly 
coming in with beaming faces and tantalizing narrations of what they 
got to eat. Your correspondent only strayed a few steps from the en- 
gine house before he found a little cabin where a neat colored woman 
served him with two kinds of hoe-cake, roasted sweet potatoes, and 
sage tea. 

We have not been in Xewbern long enough to give you much news. 
Barracks are erecting here, it is reported, for fifteen thousand soldiers. 
Ours are not yet completed. Among the regiments at Newbern and 
vicinity are the Massachusetts 17th, 23d, 24th, 25th, 27th, and 44th. 
The 3d and 5th which were detained at Morehead City by the ground- 
ing of the Mississippi, will probably arrive here to-day. 



Newberx, N. C, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 1862. 
We are encamped upon the western bank of the river Neuse, about 
one-third of a mile to the north of the city of Newbern. Monday 
night most of the regiment passed in tents, a few rods from here. Yes- 
terday we were industriously employed in ditching and smoothing the 
ground around our cloth-houses, laying floors, constructing fire places and 
chimneys, and had just got things in the most satisfactory condition, when 
Company D was ordered to strike tents and go into the half-completed 
barrack which we now occupy conjointly with the carpenters and a great 
quantity of loose lumber. In a very short time iill our companies wUl 
be comfortably housed, unless unexpected orders intervene. The bar- 
racks of each regiment are continuous — occupying one long building. 
They are provided with windows and more commodious bunks than 
those at Readville. Our easterly windows look out upon the Neuse. 
On the other side the barrack is shaded with cedar trees. To the west 
of us is encamped the Connecticut Tenth Kegiment, a Khode Island 
Battery, and the New York Third Artillery Kegiment. A New York 
cavalry regiment is also encamped in the vicinity. These are all addi- 
tional to the troops in this department mentioned in my last letter. 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 3/ 

The Connecticut Tenth, although much reduced in numbers and effec- 
tiveness, has greatly surprised us new comers by the excellency of their 
manual drill. It is almost equal to that of the Chicago Zouaves. 

The men of the old regiments at Newbern are not inclined to regard 
the nine months' men with much favor, and indulge in a good many 
taunts having reference to bounty money and good clothes. They take 
great pleasure in assuring us that General Foster proposes to give us a 
full nine months' loork, and that we need not expect to escape the 
warmest part of the business before us. They are considerably dis- 
gusted with our unveteran-like ways, and fiarnish us with innumerable 
suggestions. The bugles, numbers, &c., upon our caps, they regard as 
vanity. They allow no " cuUured pusson " to wear Uncle Sam's but- 
tons, and it is now rumored that those of our boys who shall appear in 
the streets of Newbern with " infantry" buttons will find themselves 
suddenly minus those articles. The soldier who returns the salute of a 
negro is set down as a transgressor of military etiquette, and privates 
who salute each other are laughed at. 

The remarks of one of our boys that " there is nothing but niggers 
and soldiers in Newbern," well describes the impression of your cor- 
respondent. Most of the resident secesh skedaddled long ago, and as 
others become unearthed, and refuse to take the oath, they are con- 
veyed beyond the Union lines. Many white residents, professedly 
Union, are beheved to be playing possum. 

The first night we spent in Newbern is said to have been the coldest 
of the season up to that time. Monday night and Tuesday morning 
also seemed very much like late October days in New England, and 
required about the same number of woollen blankets and overcoats as 
are requisite at home now-a-days. We are cautioned to be out but lit- 
tle in the evening, and to wear overcoats after five o'clock. We are 
also very earnestly cautioned to drink but little water, and to eat spar- 
ingly of negro " chicken fixins " in the shape of sweet potatoes, pies 
and cakes, which contrabands bring into camp in great profusion. 

We are no sooner comfortably settled in barracks than word conies 
to us of an immediate march into the interior of the State, perhaps to 
Kinston, perhaps to Swansbororough, which are in possession of the 
rebels. At all events we are doubtless bound to extend our lines, and 
we now have the troops to do it with, although we scarcely expected 
that General Foster would put us in motion quite so speedily as this. 

The health of the regiment is excellent, everything considered. 

Lieutenant Blake, of Company D, has been detailed to act upon the 



38 LETTERS FROM THE 

staff of Colonel Stevenson, commanding our brigade. We thus lose 
an invaluable officer fi-om our company. Lieutenant Stebbins, who 
succeeds Lieut. Blake, is one of the most faithful and considerate of- 
ficers in the regiment, and will make the jjlace of Lieutenant Blake 
good. 



Washingtox, N. C, Oct, 31, 1862. 

As remarked in my last letter from Newborn, we had no sooner got 
comfortably ensconced in our splendid new barracks than we received 
orders to join one of the largest military expeditions which has been 
known in North Carolina for many a day. The expedition consists of 
nearly all the available force at Newbern and vicinity, infantry, artil- 
lery and cavalry, and cannot fall much below ten thousand men, most 
of whom left Newbern early yesterday morning, on board steam trans- 
ports, and schooners }>ropt'lled by tugs, under the command of Major- 
General Foster. 

We were in what is called light marching order ; but our two blankets, 
haversacks containing three days' rations of hard bread, beef, coffee 
and sugar, canteens, equipments and rifles, made up a very considera- 
ble load. 

After about thirty hours of slow steaming down the Neuse, through 
Pamlico Sound and up the Tar river, we disembarked at Washington, 
one of the bastard " cities " of North Carolina. A journey more tame 
in its surroundings can scarcely be imagined. The shores of the two 
rivers present an almost unbroken level ; and the monotony of a stunted 
growth of trees is barely interrupted by the habitations of man. In 
places the trees have a beautiful coloring, which reminded us of the 
October woods in New England, and there is a sort of lonesome gran- 
deur in the broad streams themselves. 

Washington looks Uke Newbern. Some of the streets are prettily 
shaded, and there are a few elegant residences. At a window of one 
of the latter we espied a pretty young white woman playing a piano. 
Besides these, having been here only a couple of hours or so, I saw 
little but " niggers and soldiers," a phrase which also describes New- 
bern. We wore marched through the town into a breezy field on the 
shore of the Tar river, where we stacked arms, made fires, and boiled 
our coffee. Finding ourselves in the vicinity of a row of negro shan- 
ties, the board fences surrounding them were soon converted into fuel 
and shelter. The shanties were then besieged by our hungry boys, and 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMEIST. 39 

the black " aunties " and their daughters were soon driving a good 
business in supplying the soldiers with hoe-cake. 

The vociferous demands of the boys to be supplied in their turn were 
quite confusing to the accommodating cooks, who mixed their meal and 
water and transferred it to iron pans with the rapidity of experts in the 
business. Each fire-place was surrounded by hungry expectants, some 
of whom, to make sure of their cakes, drew their initials in the yield- 
ing dough, and then stood by like watch-dogs until the tempting morsel 
was browned and " soaked" to the point of perfection. " Soaked" is 
a word of the cook, and describes the finishing process. The venera- 
ble proprietor of one of the shanties remarked that he was glad to see 
tlie Yankees, but this was the second time they had torn down his fence. 

Washington is reputed to be a " Union city." In the language of 
one of the inhabitants, " There was a right smart of Union here before 
the proclamation, but now it is the other way." It's of no conse- 
quence, as Toots says. The North Carolina First Regiment is here. 

Evening. — We bivouac to-night upon the northerly shore of the 
Tar River. The field is covered with extemporized shelters of rude 
but ingenious construction, and are supplied with generous beds of corn- 
husks. Some sugar-box sliooks in the vicinity have been levied upon, 
and some of the boys are literally boxing themselves up. Others have 
stretched their rubber blankets, for shelter. Some have constructed 
shanties of boards. Our woollen blankets have been voted an incum- 
brance, and are packed away. For the lively work now in prospect we 
must per force carry lighter loads than we brought from Newbern ; and 
although we shall miss the blankets o' nights, we shall miss them more 
upon our wearisome marches when every ounce weighs a pound. 

I cannot tell you what we are going to do. There is supposed to 
be work enough, especially as it is reported that fifteen thousand rebel 
troops are in North Carolina, and some of them at no great distance 
from this point. We may next be heard from at Kiuston or Williams- 
ton. 



On Board Tkansport Steamek Gteo. Collins, \ 
From Plymouth to Newbekn, N. C. \ 

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 1862. j 
Your correspondent finds himself one of a large expeditionary corps 
en route back to Newbern, after one of the longest and severest 
marches in the history of the present war. Since the date of my last, 



40 LETTERS FRO.AI THE 

wliicli was written at Washington, at the head of Pamlico Sound, the 
regiment has led rather an active and stirring life for a regiment only 
about sixty days old. We left Washington early Sunday morning, 
Nov. 2d, marching northward that day nearly twenty miles, with noth- 
ing to break the monotony save a light brush with the enemy's picket 
a few miles out of town. We bagged one or two of their horses, and 
soon passed their bivouac, where a rebel blanket and some other arti- 
cles were burning. Here the road forked, and upon the left the smoke 
of a burning bridge showed that the rebels were making good their 
escape. At noon we halted near the plantation of a decently to-do 
farmer, A son of the farmer was observed to wear rebel buttons, and 
he was taken prisoner. There was then little doubt as to the rebel 
]ir(it'livities of tlie old man (a good tow-hcadcd, blear-eyed specimen of 
white trash,) whose premises were pretty thoroughly searched for the 
means of providing dinner and other refreshments. Sweet potatoes, 
apple brandy, honey, &c., helped the boys' rations amazingly, and 
these delicacies were relished the more because they were taken along 
with several rebel weapons of death. The female portion of the fiimily 
sat upon the piazza and gazed upon the soldiers with a sort of stolid 
fear depicted upon their faces. They were tolerably good looking, and 
one of them wore a quiet, venerable aspect, which moved our respect 
and sympathy. At dusk we stirred up a secesh hornets' nest, and a 
lively battle of musketry was heard in front. As we hurried forward 
Gen. Foster sat with his staff at a bend in the road, and smilingly in- 
formed U3 that there were " only seven or eight hundred of them.'" 
Just before this our two right flank companies, H and C, Capts. Smith 
and Lombard, were detached from the regiment and sent forward as 
skirmishers. 

Proceeding by the road they descended a hill and entered a piece of 
woods through which ran a considerable stream of water. They had 
no sooner entered the water at the fording-place than they were fired 
upon by a considerable force of rebel infantry in ambuscade ; but our 
men bravely stood their ground, and replied promptly to the fire. 
After a few rounds, the guns and anummition became useless from wet- 
ting, when compafies H and C were withdrawn, although not until tliey 
had crossed the ford. Companies E and I, Captains Spencer Richardson 
and Kendall, were sent forward. Company I was held in reserve, while 
E succeeded in passing the ford and ascended to the summit of a hill 
on the opposite side, but not without brisk skirmishing, receiving and 
returning several volleys, and capturing three prisoners. One of these 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, 41 

was takeu by private Michael Parsons under circumstances so creditable 
to his pluck that Parsons was promoted to a sergeantcy. 

After Company E, the stream was crossed by the Connecticut 10th 
regiment, Colonel Pettiborn. The ford being thus thoroughly com- 
manded, word was sent to the rear, and the entire column moved 
forward, the 44tli regiment passing the Connecticut 10th, thus givino; 
to the Massachusetts 44th the honor of the next advance. Having at- 
tained the summit of the hill previously occupied by Company E, the 
44th deployed on either side of the road, and allowed the Massachu- 
setts 24th to pass to the front. The advance was again resumed, and 
we entered a piece of dense woods. Here we felt our way cautiously, 
once halting for a considerable space of time. The moon shone brightly, 
scattering the light through the scarcely moving branches. The voices 
of birds and the hum of insects filled the air with tones eloquent of 
summer at the North. The world looked too beautiful for strife and 
slaughter. Here we sunk down upon the ground, almost over- 
come by the fatigue of a day's severe march, and were with diJEE- 
culty restrained from falling into a deep sleep. We were soon aroused 
by the order to advance, and proceeded cautiously about half a mile 
farther, the road skirting, for a portion of the distance, an open field on 
our left. Just at the extremity of this field we were again fired upon 
from the hedge. This hazardous kind of advancing was then wisely 
abandoned, and the column filed into the field, under the cover of 
Belger's splendid artillery, which having assumed a commanding posi- 
tion, shelled the rebel ambuscade in magnificent style. Sweeter music 
than the music of those spheres, whistling their way into the nest of 
cowardly traitors, never fell upon mortal ears. From our observation 
of the rapid and well-directed fire, we were not surprised to hear, as we 
did subsequently, that many a rebel bit the dust on the morning of the 
third of November, at "Chopper's Creek, near Rawle's Mill," which 
will stand for the name of this afi'air. 

At the ford the casualities of the 44th consisted of the following : 

Company E. Killed — Charles Morse. "Wounded — Charles E. 
Roberts. 

Company C. Killed — Charles Rollins. Slightly wounded — Ser- 
geant Pond, William A. Smallidge. Lieutenant Briggs was moment- 
arily stunned by the near passing of a projectile, but speedily recovered. 

Company H. Killed — none. Wounded — Richard V. Depeyster, 
left arm amputated ; Jacobs, of South Scituate, in the back (severe) : 
Harrison Parker, 2d, in right arm (slightly). 



42 LETTERS FROM THE 

At tlie place where vre were last fired on, Lieutenant Stebbins, of 
Company D, while assisting in rallying the men of his company, was 
slightly wounded in one of his legs, and had his garments perforated 
in several places. 

It is doubtful if the history of the war furnishes an instance where a 
skirmish with the enemy has occurred under circumstances more trying 
to the Union troops, or better calculated to test their moral endurance 
and pluck, A regiment only sixty days old altogether, Avithout expe- 
rience in battle, was called upon at the close of a day's severe march 
to encounter a deadly foe in ambuscade, upon ground of their own se- 
lection, at a long, deep ford, and in dense, dark woods ; but I am 
happy to record the testimony of all observers that the officers and men 
of the 44th Regiment exhibited a gallantry and fearlessness befitting 
veterans themselves, and sufficient to gain expressions of admiration 
from the old regiments in the expedition, who had previously regarded 
us with, to draw it mildly, an over-critical eye, regarding us as more 
ornamental than useful. 

Some of the last companies of the 44th to cross the ford were for 
several minutes under the fire of two rebel cannon planted on an 
eminence to our right. Grape and shell fell on either side of us in a 
lively manner, but, most fortunately, without injury to us. Before 
entering the ford a shower of bullets passed close over our heads as we 
lay in the road. Our recumbent position at this point, as well as at 
the last place of attack, doubtless saved us from considerable loss of 
life. 

It was two hours past midnight before we received orders to bivouac, 
when we sunk down and slept upon our arms in the open air. It was a 
cold, damp night, and after a few hours' sleep, we awoke wet, cold and 
stiff, the combined effects of half an hour's bath in the stream the pre- 
vious night, a heavy North Carolina dew, and the fatigue of the former 
day's march. When we opened our eyes we discovered that the field 
was traversed by a formidable rebel earthwork, of which our rapid ad- 
vance had prevented the completion. 

At an early hour Monday morning the column resumed its forward 
movement, and reached Williamston, a prett}' town on the Koanoke 
river, where we were glad to find several of our gunboats and a lot of 
extra rations for our troops. Here we rested, foraged, dined and made 
ourselves extremely comfortable for a couple of hours or so. The 
white residents had skedaddled, and we entered into possession of their 
horses, mules, wagons, pigs, poultry and honey. From Williamston 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGDIEKT. 43 

we advanced about five miles and bivoiiaced in a cornfield. On our 
route thither we were delayed two hours by the destruction of a bridge. 
Tuesday we dined at Hamilton, another town on the Roanoke, about 
the size of Williamston, where we again fared luxuriously upon the 
products of the country. In the evening we advanced beyond Hamil- 
ton about three miles, and encamped again in a corn-field. I regret to 
say that we left Hamilton by the light of several burning houses, which 
were said to have been fired by some soldiers in retaliation for the 
shooting of a Union soldier by a rebel picket near the town. The firing 
of the buildings was generally condemned as unnecessary and out- 
rageous. 

Wednesday, after a further advance of about a dozen miles, we halt- 
ed for dinner upon the road to Tarboro'. After dinner we retraced 
our steps a couple of miles, and took a road to the right in the direction 
of Halifax, which we pursued until midnight through a miserable 
swampy territory before we found a place fit for an encampment. 
Here we bivouaced in rain and mud within six or seven miles of 
Tarboro', a reputed rebel stronghold having railroad communication 
with Weldon and Richmond. When we arose Thursday morning we 
were confidently expecting to march upon Tarboro', and were not a 
little surprised to find ourselves turning backward. Then came rumors 
thick and fast of a largely augmented rebel force at Tarboro', and of a 
design to cut off" our retreat at the swamp in the event of our retreat. 

When the columns changed roads on Wednesday, two companies of 
our regiment, A and Gr, Captains James Richardson and Hunt, together 
with two pieces of cannon and a small force of cavalry, all imder the 
command of the Major of the New York 3d cavalry, were sent forward 
upon the direct route for the purpose, as it is supposed, of diverting the 
attention of the rebels from a proposed attack in the rear. The plan, 
however, if such was the plan, did not succeed. The little force soon 
found itself opposed to a formidable enemy in ambuscade, and after a 
somewhat brisk skirmish, in which one of our mounted pickets was 
killed, concluded it would be wise to rejoin our main force, which they 
did the next morning at day-light, at our encampment, after a forced 
and very fatiguing march, and, for a portion of the distance, upon the 
double quick. 

Whatever may have been the truth regarding the rebel force in our 
vicinity, certain it is that we made a very rapid march back to Hamilton 
— a march which tested the endurance of our troops in no small degree 
— the more because of the uncomfortable weather and muddy condition 



44 LETTERS FROM THE 

of the roads. Never was the shelter of real houses more welcome than 
to our jaded troops when .'hey arrived at Hamilton on Thursday night. 
AVe entered into possession of the deserted buildings, and were soon 
basking in the genial warmth streaming from a hundred fire-places — 
a warmth mingled with the savory odors of cooking meats and vegeta- 
bles. Some of the companies fell upon quarters almost luxurious. All 
were thankful for any kind of shelter. In the morning we were a little 
surprised to find the ground white with snow, and conjectured that the 
" Sunny South" was ahead of Masachusetts in that particular, for once. 

On Friday we marched to AVilliamston, where we tarried until Sun- 
day morning, and recruited our strength by rest and comfortable fare. 
Here we hoped to take transports for Newbern, but were destined for 
one more day's march, and Sunday night we encamped near Plymouth, 
after a quick march of nearly twenty miles. Monday noon we embark- 
ed for Newbern on board this steamer, having in tow a schooner with a 
portion of the regiment. We are in a gratified frame of mind. Why 
should we not be ? We have succeeded in eft'ecting a march uf full one 
hundred miles through the enemy's country ; we have been under fire, 
and are said to have stood it in a creditable manner : the endurance of 
our troops has been tested as it never was before by the troops in North 
Carolina, and a green regiment has been found as capable of performing 
a severe march as the veterans of lloanoke and Newbern. In fact few- 
er men of the 44th fell out of the ranks from fatigue than those of any 
other regiment in the three brigades composing the expedition. It 
must be confessed, however, that the old regiments do not give us any 
extra credit for this endurance, but say we ought to march well, coming 
as we do so recently from home, in good health, and before we have 
been subjected to the hardshijjs and sickness incident to the soldier. 
There is, no doubt, nuich truth in this ; but it is almost a question 
whether our advantages of condition are not ofi"set by the seasoning and 
experience of men a year in the field before us. Moreover, and chiefly, 
we have reason to feel satisfied with th.e expedition, forasnmch as Gen. 
Foster says its object was accomplished. What that object was is not 
well known at this writing : but it may have been the diversion of rebel 
troops from Weldon, or HichuKuid, to aid General Dix on the one hand, 
or General McClellan on the other. We certainly succeeded in clean- 
ing the rebel troops out of a large part of North Carolina, and in giving 
them a terrible scare. 

Our impressions of North Carolina liavo not been rendered more fa- 
vurabk' by a mure thorough arquaintance. Most of the territory we 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 45 

traversed is a dead, uninteresting level, thinly populated in times of 
peace, and almost depopulated by the war. We passed considerable 
growing cotton, and very many large fields of unharvested corn. We 
met a few white people, but scarcely a Union man or woman, even pro- 
fessedly. At Hamilton we found one gratifying exception in the person 
of a venerable man nearly eighty years of age, who welcomed us with 
emotion and bid us a regretful " good bye." He had a son in the rebel 
army — forced there by the conscription, after escaping three drafts. 
^\^e sung several patriotic songs to the old man, who listened to us with 
uncovered head and streaming eyes, and bowed his grateful acknowl- 
edgements. There were few who witnessed the scene who did not 
share the old man's emotion. We left him with cheers and blessino-s, 
and felt our patriotism renewed by the interview. 

Above Hamilton we passed a negro village, the residents of which 
assembled along the road to cheer us on. Their spokesman was an 
old colored man, v/ho kept repeating, as the column passed along, 
" Were long wished you well, hut loe darent shoiv it .'" This, too, was 
an inspiration to us, as was also the crowd of poor blacks following in 
our train wherever we moved, under a vague presentiment that the day 
of their redemption had come, and that liberty was in store for them. 

Our friends will inquire as to what condition we find ourselves at the 
close of so severe a march. There are a few who have been placed 
upon the sick list in consequence of the severity of our experience, 
some of whom were sent to Newborn by gunboats from Hamilton when 
we first arrived there, and others to Plymouth by the same means, 
upon our return. There are many sore and bleeding feet which have 
worn out their shoes and stockings. Nearly all of us have lost several 
pounds of superfluous flesh, and some are quite gaunt and hirsute, not 
to say dirty. As a regiment, contrasted with our appearance at Eead- 
ville, we may be said to look decidedly rough. Not a little of the " sa- 
cred soil " adheres to the late spotless blue of our habiliments. Grease 
spots and smut variegate our coats and pantaloons, which in some 
cases present large openings made by lying to closely to the camp fires. 
We would march twenty miles for the sake of exhibiting ourselves to 
our friends in Washington street as we look to-day. 

A large army passing through an enemy's country presents a grand 
and formidable appearance to a novitiate like your correspondent, and 
it also presents features of a grotesque comicality scarcely less striking. 
As we advanced, our teams elongated with great rapidity. Every stray 
or deserted vehicle alonff our route, from a carryall to a handcart, and 



46 LETTERS FROM THE 

every horse and mule possessing the slightest power of locomotion, was 
pressed into our service. Some of the teams thus extemporised, and 
laden or driven by sick and disabled soldiers and contraband servants, 
would have done credit to any turn-out of the antiques and horribles. 
Some poor mules were literally covered with a burden of humanity 
equal to their own bulk. Many of our baggage wagons were drawn by 
mules, and at night their unmusical voices seemed raised in solemn 
protest against the hardships and abuse heaped upon their race. 

Various instances of foraging, although not so funny to one party 
interested, were among the amusing episodes of our progress through 
North Carolina. It was not a little entertaining to see some of our boys, 
now in hot pursuit of half-frantic poultry and pigs, and then wildly 
beating the air in the vicinity of bee-hives which they had ruthlessly 
overturned in an irrepressible passion for stored sweets. The sight 
and taste of that white honey-comb will not soon pass from the memory 
of our jaded and hungry soldiers ! Nor you, apple-jack, beverage of 
the South, cheering and inebriating, welcome substitute for whisky 
rations. 

" Here's to good old apple-jack, 

Drink her down ; 
Here's to good old apple-jack, 

Drink her down ; 
Here's to good old apple-jack, 
li will lay you on your back. 

Drink her down, 

Drink her down ! " 

" Corporal " is not responsible for this. It was wafted to liis ears 
from the quarter deck of the transport. 

Xeavberx, Nov. 14, 1862. 

We arrived here this morning. I had more to say, but have no 
time to say it before the close of the mail. 



Newber:?, N. C, Not, 15, 1862. 

By the last mail I sent jou a hurried account of our recent expedi- 
tion to the vicinity of Tarborough. Time was not afforded me to say 
all I desired to, nor all that would have been gratifying to the many 
friends of the 44th at home, who liave to turn to the Herald for a con- 
nected account of our adventures. 

What I wished to say in my previous letter, which, by the way, I 
hope escaped the Newbern censorship, and which I would say now, it 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMEIST. 47 

it would not be unmilitary, was a word about one high in command in 
this regiment, who has more than met the sanguine expectations of 
those who knew him intimately as one apt to command, prompt in expe- 
dients, cool and collected in danger, tender-hearted to the sick and dis- 
abled, generous in all his promptings. The late trying experiences of 
the regiment enable me to speak unqualifiedly upon these points. It 
would also gratify your correspondent if he might be allowed to bear 
testimony to the high qualities of other field and staff officers, and to 
personally acknowledge the considerate kindness of those who had kind 
words and kinder acts for the sick, weary and foot-sore during our late 
severe march through the enemy's country. To one of our captains great 
praise is awarded for his unwavering endurance and pluck throughout 
the march ; the more as he had no sooner arrived at Washington, N. C, 
than he was deprived of his first Lieutenant, (detailed to act upon the 
staff of Colonel Stevenson, commanding our brigade,) and a day or two 
afterward, of his remaining Lieutenant, who was forced to return to 
Newbern in consequence of a wound received at the skirmish of Chop- 
per's Creek. The manner in which the Captain alluded to, inexpe- 
rienced in campaigning, and almost unaided, sustained his command, 
and kept his men together during the eight days' march, gave him a 
new hold upon the cordial respect of his company and superior officers. 
You can suppose that we were glad to get back into comfortable bar- 
racks at Newbern, where we received a cordial and affectionate welcome 
from the Cripple Reserve and Home Guard, who had kept watch and 
ward over our knapsacks and made themselves comfortable, while we 
made eighteen miles a day and glory. But they wouldn't allow us to 
patronize them. They had seen service. Our pickets were driven in 
a night or two before, the long-roll had sounded over Newbern, and the 
Home Guard were actually called out. It seems that a force of rebels, 
, under the supposition that our garrison was essentially weakened by the 
reconnoisance, came down to feel of our strength, but wisely concluded 
not to come too near, although succeeding in killing two of our picket 
guard, belonging to the Massachusetts 24th. I should have mentioned 
in my previous letter that a member of this regiment was shot at Chop- 
per's Creek the same night we lost two men from the 44th. By the 
way, we have just received from a Richmond paper an account of this 
skirmish, by which we learn for the first time that one of our cavalry 
companies was annihilated, and that our general loss was very severe, 
while the rebels lost but two men killed and a few wounded. Per 
contra, veracious contrabands at Williamston told us of wagon-loads of 



48 LETTERS FROM THE 

rebel slain and wounded carried through that place. We thought Bel- 
ger's battery was doing the business for them, and were quite prepared 
for the report given by the negroes. 

The Newbern Progress, which is published under the supemsion of 
the military authorities here, gives the following account of our expe- 
dition : 

"Federal RECO>rNOisA>-CE to IIamiltox. — On the 3d inst., 
Major-Greneral Foster, with about five thousand men, made a recon- 
noisance in force from Washington, N. C, towards Weldon, -ft-ith the 
intention of taking Willianiston and Ilaiuiltdii, which points were 
stronglv fortified by intrenchments, and also to interrupt the reported 
construction of iron-clads on the Roanoke River. The expedition 
advanced overland for some distance without meeting an enemy. The 
rebels, about three thousand strong, made a stand, however, at a place 
called Little Creek, but were repulsed with sHght loss. 

" Our troops pushed on to WiUiamston and Hamilton, where they 
executed a flank movement, with a fair prospect of bagging the whole 
rebel force, who, however, saved themselves by a hasty flight. The 
rebel fortifications about these places, which were more than three miles 
in length, and of a very formidable character, were destroyed by our 
troops. No iron-clads were found. The places taken were not garri- 
soned by General Foster, inasmuch as the rebels can be whipped out of 
them again at any time."' 

Last evening we were delighted to welcome the Massachusetts 45th 
and other regiments, by the Morrimac, Mississippi and Saxon. We 
regaled them with coftee, and listened with astonishiuent to their nar- 
rations of snow and sleighing in Boston last Sunday. The letters and 
papers they brought us, and which came by niail and one subsequent 
arrival, were inexpressibly welcome, and were devoured with even more 
avidity than our rations at the close of a day's march. 

To-day the 44th underwent its first inspection by General Foster, 
Of course we put our best foot forward. Leather and brass and steel 
shone as they had not shone before since they left Readville. Spotless 
white handkerchiefs and gloves in the hands of the General's aids 
sought for soiling matter about our rifles, but generally without success. 
The General was pleased to compliment us. He was accompanied by 
a little daughter, who rode a pretty pony witli childish grace. 

Newbern has become quite a jolly place to live in. It is filled with 
Yankee jimcracks, ranging all the way from top-boots to preserved 
strawberries. The market supplies splendid Northern apples. Southern 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 49 

ditto, cider, honey, ginger cakes, crackers, fish, preserved meats and 
fruits, oysters, pickles, condensed milk, chocolate, sugar, tea, coffee, 
military goods, &c. It is wonderfidly convenient to be so near all these 
little comforts, especially to those having a shot in the locl-er. 

Gringerbread, pies, and even apple-dumplings, are brought to us by 
the negroes in profusion, while the sutlers furnish us with butter, cheese, 
sardines, and all the main essentials of luxurious living. Our regular 
rations are not to be sneezed at, although at present a scarcity of hops 
has thrown us back upon hard tack. We are treated to beef steaks, 
excellent rice soups, fish, hash, &c. 

The general health of the regiment continues good, although a few 
in each company are weakened by diarrhoea, and some few are yet suf- 
fering from colds and coughs contracted by our late exposures. The 
majority of the men, however, were never in better condition. 

It is, perhaps, needless for me to inform you that the published report 
of the capture of a large rebel force near Plymouth, was a canard. I 
learn that the enterprising perpetrator of the story is under arrest. 



Newbern, N. C, Nov. 19, 1862. 

Newspaper correspondents are not allowed to give all the news in 
this department, and any apparent deficiencies in my letters in the way 
of military intelligence can thus be easily accounted for. The Newbern 
Progress, I observe, omits to record the arrival of regiments, which 
would seem to be a very useless precaution, considering that the Bos- 
ton and New York papers herald in advance the departure of every 
regiment for this department. I also notice that they are industriously 
posting up the rebels concerning a prospective expedition to Texas. 
A government that can afford to divulge its military plans in this way 
must be strong indeed. 

We have received a copy of the New York Herald of the 15th inst., 
giving a brief account of our skirmish near Williamston. It is observed 
studiously to avoid giving the slightest credit to the 44th, which bore 
its full share of the brunt of the wdiole expedition, and acquitted itself 
in a manner to elicit the warm commendation of the Greneral Com- 
manding. 

In my hurried account of our late march many incidents of the expe- 
dition were unavoidably omitted. All secesh men who might be useful 
to the enemy, resident along the road, were taken prisoners. Misera- 
ble looking fellows were they, as a rule, but quite handsome enough 



50 LETTERS FROM THE 

for their wives. In the house of one poor miserable paralytic wretch 
we found a double-barrelled gun, loaded and capped. *' This is what 
picks off our men of nights," said a sergeant of cavalry, as he took 
possession of the shooter ; and then, by a close examination, satisfied 
himself that the sick rebel was not playing possum. The scared and 
forlorn expression on the yellow and haggard face of his wife was a 
study for an artist. 

As one decent looking farmer was taken from his house, an affec- 
tionate daughter followed the soldiers and besought them in shrieks of 
anguish to let her papa come back. Repeated assurances that her 
papa should not be hurt, seemed to afford her only very slight conso- 
lation. 

Among our prisoners was a little curly-headed rebel sergeant who 
was taken captive at Ivoanoke Island and paroled. The contrabands 
in our train gave him the name of being a dreadfully severe master. 
He refused to take the oath, although once offering to do so at a time 
when he might have afforded his rebel friends valuable information of 
our strength and whereabouts. He managed his conversation with 
great shrewdness, and when, upon oi;r return past his residence, he 
left us to go home, he no doubt chuckled over the information which 
he had artfully drawn from some of the garrulous fellows placed on 
guard over him. 

Private Lane, detailed as wagoner from Co. D, and who upon our 
march did yeoman's service as forager, claims the " first blood." He 
was searching a rebel's house for fire-arms, and being forcibly resisted 
in his efforts to secure one of these weapons, used the butt of a fowling 
piece over the head of secesh with such good effect that all resistance 
ceased. 

The morning after our affair with the rebels at Chopper's Creek, or 
Rawles' Mill, as the place is variously called, a party of us went to a 
neighboring house to fill our canteens at the well. Three good look- 
ing women, a grey-haired mother and two daughters, sat in the piazza. 
The younger ones were handsome, and one was a widow in weeds. 
The man of the house, a paralytic old gentleman, Aveighing throe hun- 
dred and fifty pounds, sat in the centre of the hall running through the 
house. In the course of the artillery fire, the preceding night, a shot 
had passed through the floor of the piazza while the fiimily were occu- 
pying it. The poor old man was too frightened to speak except in 
monosyllables. His wife besought us with streaming eyes to leave them 
alone — " they were only two poor old critters," although their son had 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 51 

been shooting at us from the woods a few hours before. The young 
woman in weeds, pale and pensive, said little. Her sister, who 
wouldn't acknowledge that she was frightened by the bombardment, 
boldly declared that she was a " seceder," and that " the meanest of all 
the critters was them as wouldn't stick up for their country." One of 
our soldiers courteously suggested that we were sticking up for the 
whole country, while she was only stickin-g up for a fraction of it. She 
replied that she was in favor of an undivided country so long as we 
could get along harmoniously, but when that became impossible, she 
became a "seceder." "We believe as om* men say," she added, as a 
clincher. 

At Williamston, in one of the desei'ted mansions, some of our boys 
fell upon an old piano, which, during our first few hours' tarry at that 
place, although mingling its notes with the voices of sacrificed pigs, re- 
sounded vigorously with old familiar airs, speaking eloquently of home 
and friends. The relic fever raged wildly at Williamston, and books, 
MSS., and trinkets, some of considerable rarity and value, were carried 
away by our soldiers. The ofiice of Judge Biggs, an ex-TJ. S. Senator, 
contributed largely to allay the craving for spoils and relics which un- 
fortunately possesses too many of our men. 

The last noticeable incident of the expedition was the arrest of the 
captain of the principal transport conveying our regiment. In coming 
down the Roanoke River with a schooner in tow, crowded with troops, 
the schooner was so unaccountably run ashore that the captain of the 
steamer was superseded by the mate and confined in his own cabin. 
After that we proceeded without much hindrance. The summary man- 
ner in which military authorities avail themselves of transports is doubt- 
less not a little aggravating to the sovereigns of the quarter-deck, 
unaccustomed as they are to rivals near the throne. 

As we read now-a-days of our poor fellows upon the Potomac shiv- 
ering o' nights, for the want of overcoats and proper shelter, we sympa- 
thize with them most deeply, as our late experience has enabled us to 
do. It is difficult to exaggerate the discomfort of stretching one's self 
for sleep, without fire, upon wet ground, and that with wet, cold feet, 
growing colder and colder towards morning. On one occasion we were 
di'iven to our feet by rain, and on another by intense cold. We wonder 
that we endure these exposures, and not only live, but almost flourish 
imder them. Our experience has already taught us something of the 
wonderful endurance and elasticity of the human frame, which rusts out 
through the enervation of idleness and vicious habits faster than it wears 
ovX by the sturdy hardships of the soldier. 



52 LETTERS FROM THE 

"We are again settling into barrack life and drill. Here is the daily 
order of performances : 

Reveille, 6.30 A. M.: breakfast, 7; sergeant's report to adjutant, 
7.15; surgeon's call, 7.30; guard mounting, 8 ; squad drills under 
sergeants, superintended by commissioned oiScers, 8.30 to 10; block 
drill for commissioned ofl&cers under lieut. -colonel, 10 to 11 ; company 
drill under lieutenants, 11 to 12; block drill for sergeants under cap- 
tains, 11 to 12; dinner at 12; first sergeant's call, 1 P. M. ; conipan}- 
drill, 1.30 to 2.30; battalion drill, 3 to 4; company parade, 4.30; 
dress parade, 5; supper, 6; tattoo, 7.30: taps, 8.30. 

Among other items of regimental news is the commissioning of 
Charles C. Soule, formerly adjutant of the Fourth Battalion, as second 
lieutenant of the Newton company. Captain Griswold, in place of Lieu- 
tenant Kendrick, promoted to the place made vacant by the resignation 
of First Lieutenant Forbes. Lieutenant Soule had command of our 
camp in the absence of our regiment upon the expedition beyond Ham- 
ilton. He is now in Boston upon recruiting service, and any of our 
friends who may desire to make him the guardian of Thanksgiving or 
Christmas packages on their way hither, will take notice. We are al- 
ready making arrangements for a Thanksgiving dinner as nearly like 
that New England institution as practicable. 

We have named our camp " Stevenson," as a mark of esteem for the 
Colonel commanding our brigade. At the christening, three hearty 
cheers were given for him. 

November 20, 1862. 

It rains easily here in November, and to-day the windows of heaven 
are opened wide. We that should otherwise have been on drill, like 
it. The poor fellows on guard do not. The amount of letter-writing 
in this regiment is something astounding. Each mail carries from the 
44th scarcely less than fifteen hundred missives to friends in ^lassachu- 
setts. Pens and pencils are busy to-day. Some are darning their 
stockings, and have reason to bless the foresight which prepared those 
little bags of yarn, needles, &c., which the}^ received at the hands of 
Mrs. Otis. 



Newberx, N. C, Dec. 1, 1862. 
Thanksgiving Day, the 27th ult., was duly celebrated by the Massa- 
chusetts troops at this post. It would not have been observed with 
more feeling and eclat by the same individuals at home. It is to be 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, 53 

questioned, even, if the viands of a New England Thanksgiving, smok- 
ing upon the home table, would have been eaten with so ardent a relish 
as that with which our somewhat ruder dainties were devoured in bar- 
racks. My observations were, of course, chiefly confined to our own 
regiment. Company F, as in most other things, took the lead, and 
dined together as a company. Their barracks and table presented a 
marvel of neatness and taste. The rough walls were half obscured 
with holly branches and flags. The long table was covered with a 
white cloth, crockery ware, and glass. Poultry, vegetables, sauces, 
pies, puddings, cakes, roast beef, oysters, coiFee and dessert helped to 
make up their bill of fare ; it was not found necessary to send beyond 
Newbern for luxuries contrasting so pleasantly with " hard tack and salt 
horse." The dinner was gotten up by the rank and file, and private 
Hopkinson presided. A series of " regular toasts" were offered, and 
the speeches which followed would have put to the blush the majority 
of after-dinner efi'orts in " our Athens." The President of the United 
States and the Old Commonwealth were fittingly eulogized, and the dear 
ones at home were pathetically alluded to in song and speech. In the 
evening Apollo and Terpsichore ruled the hour. 

In most of the other barracks the companies dined luxuriously. In 
a few the company spirit proved insufficient to secure so much unan- 
imity ; but there were numerous cheerful messes, ample spreads, and 
afterwards a due amount of colic. Companies G, E, H, C, D and A, 
and perhaps others, got up evening dances or literary entertainments. 
The day was made a complete holiday, all drill, and even dress parade, 
being omitted. The Massachusetts oth, and some other regiments and 
companies, indulged in mock dress parades, which produced very side- 
splitting eff"ects indeed. The acting Major of the Fifth appeared in a 
complete undress uniform of red flannel, most of the men with their 
garments inside out, and wearing haversacks upon their heads. There 
were several fine personations of Falstaff", and one man in armor, to 
wit, an army stove, through the door of which he made his observa- 
tions. The manual presented some amusing varieties of the Hardee, 
and the first sergeants were ordered " to their posts — quick !" Al- 
together the Fifth are said to have equalled the best exhibition of the 
Antiques and Horribles. Among the spectators was Governor Stanley. 

So passed Thanksgiving in the countrj- of the enemy. We could 
not have asked for a jollier one, but God grant that the next may be 
in New England, and for new and more powerful reasons than has yet 
impelled us to perj^etuate the example of the Pilgrims. 



54 LETTERS FROM THE 

At dress parade Friday evening. Colonel Lee oompliniented the reg- 
iment for its appropriate observance of the preAnous day, and for the 
good order before and after taps. 

As respects future military movements in the department, your cor- 
respondent is mum. We have but a few sick, and the few wounded 
are doing well. 

We have organized a regimental choir under Charlej' Ewer, of Com- 
pany D. Drum-Major Babcock has got his corps in good working 
order, and is now laboring industriously in organizing a band. We 
have the loan of a set of instruments, but the}^ may be called for at an 
early day; so our friends in Boston may now gratify themselves in their 
long-cherished scheme of presenting us a set of instruments. 

The Massachusetts 8th, Colonel Coffin, and the 51st, Colonel 
Sprague, arrived at Newbern last evening. We had the happiness of 
treating them to hot coffee. 

I need scarcely remind the friends at home how anxiously we shall 
look for " boxes " between this and Christmas. The latest arrived 
transports were supposed to bring a great number of those interesting 
articles, and to-night a numerous squad was despatched to the town to 
bring them to camp. There proved to be about one box to each two 
hundred men. I will just mention that we have not seen the paymas- 
ter. 

This letter and many others will be taken to Boston by Rev, Charles 
F. Barnard, whose familiar form appeared to us this evening at dress 
parade. He officiated at the evening ser\aces, and made some stirring 
remarks to the regiment. Mr, Barnard has one son in the 44th, and 
another in the 24th, 



Nkwbekn, N. C, Dec, 22, 1862. 
A coiTespondent who marches with rifle and knapsack will not be 
expected to compete with the cavaliers of the New York press, whose 
business it is to glean facts and send thera forward by the earliest and 
swiftest messengers. You will have heard that we have been on an- 
other expedition, the prominent results of which were three successful 
engagements with the enemy, and the destruction of a large railroad 
bridge on the road connecting Goldsboro' with Warrington, We 
nuirched one hundred and fifty miles in ten days, and came back to 
Newborn in a more dilapidated condition than after our trip to the vi- 
cinity of Tarboro'. The expedition included four brigades under Gen- 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 55 

eral "Wessell, lately stationed near SuflFolk, Virginia, Colonel Stevenson, 
Colonel Amory, and Colonel Lee, of the 27tli. The regiments were 
the Massachusetts 3d, 5th, 17th, 23d, 24th, 25th, 43d, 44th, 45th, 
46th, and 51st ; the New York 85th, 92d, and 96th ; the Pennsylvania 
85th, 101st, and 103d; New Jersey 9th ; Connecticut 10th, and Rhode 
Island 5th. Besides these was a considerable force of cavalry and 
nearly fifty pieces of artillery, including Belger's Rhode Island and the 
New York 3d artillery. Altogether our force could not have fallen 
much below fifteen thousand men. 

Our first two days' march up the Trent road was not marred by any 
extraordinary adventures. We were in heavy marching order, and ex- 
perienced terrible fatigue. Straggling commenced the first day, and 
was kepi up until our return. On the second day our progress was 
slightly impeded by trees felled across the road, the burning of a bridge, 
and a skirmish with the enemy's pickets, in which we killed some and 
took some prisoners. We saw one dead rebel stretched upon a piazza 
as we passed a house on our right, and marvelled at the stolid indifi"er- 
ence of two or three white women who sat near the corpse and gazed 
at us as though nothing unusual had happened. At one point the col- 
umn was confronted by a spunky secesh female, who, with a heavy 
wooden rake, stood guard over her winter's store of sweet potatoes. Her 
eye flashed defiance, but so long as she stood upon the defensive no 
molestation was oifered her. When, however, she concluded to change 
her tactics, and slapped a cavalry officer in the face, gone were her 
sweet potatoes and other stores in the twinkling of an eye. 

On Sunday, our fourth day from Newbern, we were drawn up in line 
of battle about one mile from Kinston, a large rebel town on the Neuse. 
The duty of the right wing of the 44th was to deploy as skirmishers 
and pass through a swamp to the right of the road, which was defended 
by a strong rebel battery near the river. We were led forw^ard by Col- 
onel Lee. As we approached the swamp, we met the wounded of the 
Massachusetts 45th and Connecticut 10th, who had preceded us. It 
was not a very reassuring spectacle, and we plunged knee deep into the 
mud and peat before us, under the firm expectation that bloody work 
awaited us as well as our predecessors. In this, however, we were hap- 
pily disappointed. We found the swamp strewed with blankets and 
soldiers' gearing, and just upon the further outskirts of the place lay a 
number of the dead of the 45th. As we emerged into the opening be- 
yond we expected to confront a force of rebel infantry, but were again 
agreeably disappointed. The first rebels we saw was a long file of rebel 



56 LETTERS FROM THE 

prisoners whicli were just then passing by us on our left. Advancing 
a few rods further to join our left wing, which had gone forward by the 
road, we had scarcely got in sight of our artillery before another squad 
of rebel soldiers issued from the wood between our guns and the river, 
with a flag of truce a!ui delivered themselves up. 

We soon knew by the cheers that went up that the day was ours. 
How it was achieved we did not exactly know then, but we heard of 
brave and gallant deeds by the Connecticut 10th, the Xew Jersey 9th 
and the Peninsula soldiers. You will have seen by the lists of killed 
and wounded that there was hard fighting, and that the rebels made a 
determined stand. After the smoke of battle had cleared away, we 
found ourselves in possession of a rebel battery and about five hundred 
prisoners. We found that we had possession of the bridge crossing 
the river to Kinston, the rebels having been forced to beat such a hasty 
retreat as not to have time to fire the structure. One man in attempt- 
in» the operation by the aid of spirits of turpentine, burned himself to 
death. The rebels left loaded guns near the fire which they kindled, 
and one of them put an end to the life of Col. Gray of the Xew York 
96th, who was assisting his men to extinguish the flames. 

The scene of the conflict was the most beautiful which we luxve yet 
witnessed in North Carolina. It was an elevated field on the southerly- 
shore of the Neuse, whose course is here marked by a fi-inge of fine 
trees through whicli the white buildings and spires of Kinston were 
observable a mile distant. The mangled condition of the trees and 
shrubbery near the road, or wherever the artillery or infantry guns 
ranged, gave proof of extremely hot work. !Major Chambers, who 
commanded the 23d, said ten thousand rebel bullets whistled over the 
head of his regiment while it supported one of our batteries. 

It is said that the enemy had a force of seven regiments under the 
command of Gen. Evans, of South Carolina. The men we took as 
prisoners were of the rawest and most miserable description. Some of 
them had been hurried down from Raleigh that morning. They 
regarded their captivity witli great equanimity, not to say cheerfulness. 
They Avere doubtless all paroled. Among them were several field and 
line officers. 

Sunday night we passed in Kinston, bivouacing on the borders of 
the town. As we passed through the streets upon our first entrance 
we found many bales of cotton piled up and set on fire. The Kinston 
rebels no doubt thought we were dying to get possession of their pre- 
cious staple. Near the depot a great pile of corn was also on fire, and 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 5/ 

afforded a splendid bivouac blaze for some of our troops. A few- 
Union people we found here. One lady hospitably entertained some 
of the officers, and afforded interesting information of the enemy's 
hopes and discomfiture. They confidently expected to hold the place, 
but left with great precipitancy, strewing the way with clothing, equip- 
ments, guns, &c. 

The. next day (Monday) we recrossed the river and proceeded 
towards Groldsboro'. Tuesday noon we reached Whitehall bridge, 
which, however, had been burned by the rebels, who were there in 
force to dispute our passage. As usual they were all under cover, 
with riflemen securely posted near the opposite bank. The ball opened 
with the thunder of artillery on both sides. At the same time several 
bi'igades of our infantry were hurried forward and deployed on either 
side the road to reply to the volleys of the sharpshooters in ambuscade. 
Our regiment was posted on the edge of a hill near the river, directlv 
behind a Virginia rail-fence. Here we lay down and loaded and fired 
across the river, until we began to find ourselves the objects of particu- 
lar attention. Eight of our men were killed or mortall}- wounded, and 
fourteen others less seriously injured. Of the killed, two men in Co. 
A were struck down by a solid shot, while we were hurrying forward 
to the post assigned us. 

Our place soon became so warm that Belger's battery of artillery 
was sent to our relief, when we fell back and supported it while it 
shelled the opposite shore. But the sharpshooters were too securely 
posted to be disturbed, and commenced picking off our horses, greatly 
to the disgust of Capt. Belger, who soon ascertained that he was throw- 
ing his shot away. In the meantime the rebel artillery had been 
silenced, and the column soon resumed its march up the southerly side 
of the river. During the engagement at Whitehall, a company of 
sharpshooters was hastily organized, and it is believed that some of the 
rebels got a Roland for their Oliver. " Old Stars," of Co. D, who is 
equally familiar with shooting stars and shooting sticks, is confident of 
bringing down a man. Col. Lee and Major Dabney, both experienced 
riflemen, took part with the sharpshooters, and were also noticed to 
present somewhat too conspicuous marks for the riflemen on the other 
side. The daring of all our field officers and chaplain has been estab- 
lished beyond question. None of the rest of the regiment have been 
so much exposed as they. 

Beside destroying the bridge at Whitehall, the rebels destroyed two 
gunboats constructing at that point, and thereby saved us the trouble 
of the operation. 



58 LETTERS FROM THE 

The following is a complete list of the killed and wounded at the 
battle of Whitehall : 

Co. A. Killed— Albert L. Butler, D. Tyler Xewcomb, J. Mason 
Slocumb, M. R. Meagher. Wounded — A. H. Everett, A. S. May, J. 
F. Berry, Sergt. J, F. Clark, A. K. Tappan, J. W. Greenwood, Wm. 
Bamford. 

Co. B. Wounded (accidental) — A. H. Everett. 

Co. C. Killed— Sergt. A. Stacy Courtis, Corp. E. H. Curtis, An- 
tonio F. Polio. 

Co, K. KiUed— Geo. E. Noyes. 

Co. D. AVounded — Charles C. Ewer, Frederic Jackson. 

Co. F. Wounded— J. F. Dean. 

Co. G. Wounded — Francis E- Lincoln, E. S. Fisher. 

Co. H. Wounded— Sergt. Howe, E. C. Crosby. 

George H. Colby, of Company D, detailed for duty on the signal 
corps, was seriously wounded in one of his arms while going up the 
river Neuse, with his party, to act in concert with the expedition. Their 
boat was fired at a number of times, and several rebel batteries were 
subsequently cleaned out by our gunboats, which now go up within a 
short distance of Kinston, where they met oi;r returning column with a 
supply of provisions. 

A few miles beyond Whitehall we bivouaced for the night, and the 
next day pressed on to Everettsville, a short distance from Golbsboro', 
where we had the happiness of destroying a long tressel-work bridge on 
the railroad connecting Goldsborough with Wilmington. Here again we 
met the enemy in force, but as our regiment was held in reserve, I have 
only a hearsay statement of the incidents of the fight. The cannon- 
ading was long and fierce, and the rebels made a dash to capture one 
of our batteries, but were repulsed with very serious slaughter. I hear 
they attempted the flag of truce dodge once too often. Whether or 
not it was the intention of General Foster to push on to Goldsborough, 
it became apparent at this point that we could safely advance no farther, 
owing to the scarcity of our provisions and artillery ammunition, so we 
turned about and went back to Newbern, where our advance arrived 
last Saturday night. 

The expedition was favored with extraordinarily fine weather ; but 
even under this most favorable circumstance, the march was one of 
unusual severity. Some of the Peninsular soldiers said it outdid their 
previous experience, and that they never before witnessed so much 
straggling. We bivouaced every night without shelter, but were kept 
tolerably comfortable by our rubber and woollen blankets. 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 59 

The assembled bivouac fires of fifteen thousand men present a spec- 
tacle of rare beauty. I notice that a recent number of Leslie's Illus- 
trated contains a graphic and truthful picture of " Going into Camp." 
The rail gathering is to the life. You can imagine how much we are 
indebted to the rail fences of Secessia. They give us comfortable fires, 
hot coffee, and sometimes shelter itself. I can hardly conceive how we 
could live without them. Perhaps we are equally indebted to the pigs 
and potatoes of the coimtry, for soldiers certainly never could march 
ten days upon hard tack and coffee alone. Upon leaving the barracks 
each man is provided with a little bag of coffee and sugar mixed ; so 
he always has at hand the means for a comforting and strengthening 
draught. This is found extremely convenient in the many cases where 
the cooks and wagons fail to come to time by reason of break-downs or 
other delays on the road. 

I have spoken of stragglers upon the march. There are two or 
three distinct kinds of straggling. One is involuntary — the result of 
sickness or exhaustion. Another comes from laziness or the want of a 
spirited determination to bear up ; and another from cowardice. Do 
not imagine that because a man enlists and goes to the wars that he 
necessarily does his whole duty as a soldier. There are no better op- 
portunities for shirking than those afforded the soldier. It was notice- 
able upon our late march that whenever cannonading commenced at the 
head of the column, as it did day after day, scores of men commenced 
falling out and laying down by the side of the road. This was pecu- 
liarly the case with some of the old regiments, and I think there were 
few of the new ones but exhibited their cowards and sneaks on these 
occasions in this way. 

I am now obliged to close this hm-ried and meagre account, asking 
the reader to remember that among the really " played out " soldiers of 
the late expedition is " Corporal." 

P. S. I am authorized to thank numerous friends for many Christ- 
mas boxes. God bless the thoughtful friends at home. 



Neavbern, N. C, Jak. 2, 1863. 

The proprietor of the Herald has the warm thanks of the 44th 

regiment for a kind remembrance in the shape of a generous bundle 

of Sunday Heralds, evidently made up without regard to the increased 

price of paper. I believe it is the pretty general opinion of our boys 



60 LETTERS FROM THE 

that no paper quite so well meets the requirements of Massachusetts 
soldiers as the Sunday Herald, — a fact which our great constituency 
of friends in Boston appears to appreciate. Its department of military 
news is the most complete given by any Boston paper ; and the same 
may be said of its musical and dramatic columns, to which our theatre- 
loving and theatre-hungi-y boys turn with an ever sharpening appetite. 
The spice and point of its editorial articles are not less admired. So 
much by way of encouragement to the hard-working fellows at No. 6 
Williams Court. 

Since our return from Goldsboro", a little more than a week ago, we 
have been considerately respited from drill and work generally. A ten 
days' tension of our utmost physical power left us in a very " chawed- 
up" condition, independent of the colds contracted and the feet made 
sore; and we stood in good need of the week's rest which has been 
granted us. I am wondering if the troops in this department are an 
exception to the general rule, and if newspaper correspondents reaUy 
tell the truth when they assert the anxiety of the soldiers of the 
Potomac and elsewhere for advances, forward movements, &c. &c. 
I have yet to be introduced to the soldier who desires a repetition of 
these little excursions of Gen. Foster, and who wouldn't give his nine 
months' pay and bounty for the certainty of serving his country as well 
by remaining at Xewburn during the rest of his term of service. At 
the same time, I do not know but that we are as brave and patriotic 
as the average. Let me assure you, dear friends at home, that none 
beside the soldier can fully apprehend the full tests of patriotism, or 
the difference between preaching and practice as applied to love of 
country. 

The soldier who unmurmuringly meets and performs his duties of 
hardship and danger must be provided with something of that divine 
armor which fits him to be a soldier of the cross. The man who says 
he loves to face the "leaden rain and iron haQ"' of battle is either a 
liar or a monstrosity. No man who cares for life and friends can go 
into battle without a natural sliudder and dread. The wonder is that 
duty and pride are strong enough in any man to urge him forward into 
the very teeth of death. Let us be charitable as possible toward the 
white-livered wretches wlio fall out of the ranks at the first bidding 
of the cannon's voice. 

Among the severely wounded at Whitehall was Charley Ewer, the 
regimental chorister. The sweetness of his voice was the type of a 
character which had endeared him greatlv to his comrades. He was 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMEKT. 61 

shot through one of the lungs, and his condition is most critical. 
The places he made musical are now dumb and sad. We hope a 
deeper gloom may not settle on them. 

Our new band is making rather wonderful progress. They are a 
jolly set of fellows, the band, with no marching, no fighting, no drill- 
ing, no guarding to do. Hardly an even thing, perhaps; but, then, 
the band is a great ornament at inspections and dress parades, and we 
can't help feeeling some pride in it. 

Since the holidays commenced the friends of the men in the regiment 
have overwhelmed us with the bounties and luxuries of home. Here 
are the contents of one box that came under the especial observation 
of your correspondent, and which he regards as a model in its way : 
tea, coffee, sugar, butter, pepper, salt, capsicum, cheese, gingerbread, 
confectioner's cakes, bologna sausage, condensed milk, smoked halibut, 
pepper-box, camp knife, matches, ink, mince pies, candy, tomato 
ketchup, apples, horse radish, emery paper, sardines, cigars, smoking 
tobacco, candles, soap, newspapers, pictorials, letters, pickles, and 
cholera mixture. The opening of this box, and the examination and 
display of its contents, furnished an evening of rare enjoyment. The 
arrival and distribution of these boxes at the Quartermaster's are 
attended by some very animated scenes. I am sorry to say that Mr. 
Sutler Grant's schooner is detained in the stream by red tape. He has 
a number of boxes for us. 

Christmas was less extensively observed than Thanksgiving at Xew- 
bern, although not a few of ns were enabled to indulge in a dinner a 
little better than usual. One or two of the barracks were trimmed 
with evergreen, and something like amvisement was attempted by the 
aid of contraband minstrelsy and dancers. 

Last night, New Year's, we were favored with the 

SECOND 

DRAMATIC AND MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT 

BY THE 

44th REGIMENTAL DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION. 

Prologue (original) ..... Henry T. Reed. 

Overture ........ Band. 

Recitation (selected) . . . . . F. D. Wheeler. 

Song ........ Quartette Clul>. 

Recitation . . . . . . . C. A. Chase. 

Recitation (iuimorous) . . . . . . E. L. Hill. 

BAND. 



62 



LETTERS FROM THE 



Shylock 

Duke 

^Vntonio 

Bassanio 

Gratiano 

Portia 

Solanio 



After whicli the Grand Trial Scene from 
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE. 

H. T. Reed, 

W.Howard, 

. , . , . D.F. Safford, 

F.D.Wheeler, 

J. H. Waterman, 

L. Miller. 

F. A. Savers. 
BAND, 
Followed by 
A GRAND MINSTREL SCENE. 



Opening Chorus 
Louisiana Lowlands 
Dolly Day 
Shells of the Ocean 
Susianna Simpkins 
Ham Fat Man 



Company, 

H. Howard, 

F. A. Sayers. 

H. Howard. 

F. A. Sayers, 

J. H. Myers, 



Concluding with 
TERRIBLE CAT-ASS-TROPHE ON THE NORTH 
ATLANTIC RAILROAD. 



Characters by the Company. 



Director 

Assistant Manager 
Secretary 
Treasurer 



II. T. Reed. 

D. F. Safford. 

W. Howard. 

J. M. Waterman, 



Executive Committee: F. D. Wheeler, L. Miller, F. A. Sayers, 

The order of exercises was upon neatly-printed handbills. 

Since the Federal occupation of Kinston, work upon the railroad 
from Newbcrn to the former town has been vigorously prosecuted; 
but recently the rebels have taken a characteristic fancy to drive in 
our workmen and rip up their work. 

The troops in North Carolina have been constituted an army corps, 
of which several divisions arc to be formed in due time, lirigadier- 
General Wessells has already been assigned to command a division. 
Col. Stevenson has received his stars, and his brigade will be the 
second of Wessells's division, the first being composed of the Penn- 
sylvania and New York troops, lately under his command as brigadier, 
and now under Gen. Hunt, from the Potomac army. The other 
divisions will probably be commanded by some of the new Brigadiers 
in this department, of whom one is Gen. Hickman, lately Colonel of 
the New Jersey 9th. Gen. Stevenson's brigade comprises the Mass. 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 63 

8th, 24th, and 44th, the Rhode Island 5th, and the Conn. 10th. The 
44th will be the only new regiment in Gen. Wessells's division. 

We are glad our friends at the North derive so much satisfaction 
and encouragement from our late raid up the valley of the Neuse. 
Since our return, it has formed a subject of lively contemplation 
among those engaged in it. I notice by the rebel papers that secesh 
was well apprised of two facts about us, to wit : that we were short 
of artillery ammunition, and also of provisions. It occurred to your 
correspondent that the cannoniers were quite too communicative of the 
first fact. The blabbing of soldiers is really one of the greatest of 
nuisances, not to say curses, connected with our army. Supposed 
facts and conjectures are retailed by them with never slacking industry, 
and with equal assurance and recklessness, a, hear-say or rumor imme- 
diately taking rank with truth itself in the minds and mouths of a 
miserable set of quid nuncs which infest every company of every 
regiment. 

As to our being out of provisions, our systematic amd extensive 
foraging was the best proof of the low condition of our hard tack and 
salt horse. There were days when we got very hungry indeed, when 
visions of past luxuries haunted the mind like torturing ghosts. Baked 
beans chiefly afflicted the soul of your correspondent. They would 
not down at his bidding. Neither would that little coflFee-pot on the 
\varm range at midnight, where it was wont to stand when I came 
home from the labor of the newspaper sanctum. We found way-side 
turnip patches sources of great relief and substantial refreshment, but 
our chief subsistence was the pigs, cattle, and sweet potatoes of the 
country. With a little lard, a little corn meal, and sweet potatoes 
sliced and fried, we were soon enabled to forget a day's fatigue. 
Poultry and slices of tenderloin sometimes fell to the lot of a few who 
supped royally. 

During the fight at Everettsville the soldiers of the reserve busied 
themselves with eating turnips and gazing at the conflict. In the 
midst of the cannonade, a lively charge was made by our brigade on 
a mound of sweet potatoes between us and the enemy. Subsequently, 
at night, while we deployed in the woods in anticipation of a pursuit 
of our retiring column, we consoled ourselves by munching the sweet 
potatoes we had stowed in our pockets and haversacks. 

That night's countermarching is never to be forgotten for its wild 
and picturesque beauty. Fires were running on either side of the 
road. The ground was spread with a carpet of flame, and the resin- 



64 LETTERS FROM THE 

ous pine were as pillars of fire. Tlie beautiful scenes thus afforded 
cheered our march wonderfully, and engraved pictures on the mind 
which will endure as long as memory. 

Among other items of regimental news I will mention the resigna- 
tion of Captain Reynolds, on account of iU health. Captain Lombard 
is much reduced by illness, and will probably resign, — in which event 
the regiment will lose one of its best and bravest officers. Capt. 
Lombard and his first lieutenant Geo. Lombard both distinguished 
themselves for pluck and coolness at the midnight skirmish near 
Williamston. 



Newberx, N. C, Jax. 18, 1863. 

The uncertainty of the mails to and from this place, and the unac- 
countable delay in the publication of some of my letters, are the causes 
which have operated to prevent my writing with the frequency of a few- 
weeks ago. If I could say it without appearance of egotism, I should 
like to observe that few correspondents beside " Corporal " can have 
stronger incentives to continue his communications, if he might judge 
by the reception which the fi-iends of the 44tb have given his letters 
thus far, and the acknowledgements which it has been his pleasure to 
receive. So much in return. 

My stock of regimental gossip is not abundant this time. Since my 
last we have been visited by the paynaaster. How it happens that nine 
months' regiments, and bounty regiments at that, are paid off, while old 
regiments, which have not seen the paymaster for six or nine months, 
are skipped, passeth the understanding of even the favored ones like 
ourselves. It is a circumstance certainly not calculated to improve the 
relations between the old and new regiments, none the best at present. 

Since the advent of the paymaster, we have had a less agreeable camp 
visitor in the shape of malarious fever. Several deaths from this com- 
plaint have already occurred, and a number of dangerous cases are in 
the hospital. The malady attacks with great suddenness, and is at- 
tended with much delirium and distress. As a measure of prevention 
the regiment is served with (|uinine every evening. 

Many of the regiments are renewedly cheered and made grateful by 
the reception of home comforts. Your correspondent must be pardoned 
for laying some stress on this pleasant feature of our experience. The 
delayed schooners of Sutler Grant have at last amved with their precious 
freights. Time, it is to be confessed, had made its mark upon some of 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 65 

the poultry and pastry, but that which had been sealed in tin cans or 
boxes arrived in fine condition, although nearly a month in transitu. 
As friends express themselves in much doubt as to what is best to send, 
here are the contents of a box recently received, which may be taken as 
a model : A large sealed tin box of mince pies and cake ; a large sealed 
tin box of cake ; a large paper box of ditto ; a tin box of sugar ; a tin 
b'ix of pepper ; a jar of pickles ; a box of eggs ; together with apples, 
pears, pins, stationery, and last but not least, letters. A portion of one 
of the latter articles I subjoin. It may also be regarded as a model: 

" There are so many articles we wish to send you, but so few which 
we feel sure will reach you unspoiled, that it has required considerable 
thought and discussion on our part, in regard to the pai'ticular articles 
which shall be sent. But if you take one half the pleasure in receiv- 
ing and consuming them that it has given us to prepare them, we shall 
be more than happy. 

" I hope the vessel which carries out this little box may go freighted 
with many good things prepared by loving hearts and willing hands tc» 
give comfort to the soldiers. 

" The most that I can do for you and the brave men who have so 
cheerfully and nobly gone forth to put down this wicked rebellion, seems 
so little, when compared with the sacrifices you have made, that it seems 
hardly worth thinking of ; and yet, when we send ofi" our loved ones to 
this terrible war, we feel the sacrifices are not all on your side. 

" I have a dear young brother in Banks's Expedition, who has gone 
to lay down his young life, if needed ; and hard as it was to give him 
up, I feel more proud of him than I ever did before. '•' '"■' 

" Another thing we have to wonder about, and that is, whether you 
may not be in want of some stockings. Those long wearisome marches 
you have made must wear out shoes and stockings as well as feet. * 
* ^' Now, be it known unto you, it is no trouble to do what we 
can for the soldier, particularly when that soldier is a friend. It would 
give us untold pleasure to supply you with som'e of those very useful 
articles, if you will let your wants be known." 

" Corporal" and other innocent persons have lately experienced the 
novel sensation of a night drill, as an atonement for the sins of a few 
young gentlemen addicted to throwing hard bread about the barrack^, 
and charging pipes and candles with gunpowder. This species of vica- 
rious punishment, in which officers and privates are alike involved, is 
one of the odd peculiarities of military justice to which we sometimes 
have to submit with the best grace possible under the circumstances. 



Q6 LETTERS FROM THE 

The favor of our friends at home is bespoken in behalf of a memo- 
rial volume of the 44th Eegiment soon to be put in press under the 
editorship of Mr. SafiFord, of Company F. Its contents will be fur- 
nished by the members of the regiment, and will have exclusive refer- 
ence to its history. 

Whatever it may lack in completeness and finish will be easily 
attributable to the circumstances attending the compilation of the work, 
the editor and contributors being working soldiers. 

We are in the occasional receipt from Boston of third-hand private 
reports reflecting upon the bravery of our regiment upon various 
occasions ; and now, coupled with one of these slanders, comes a story 
charging Quartermaster Bush with gross and contemptible frauds upon 
the men, such as stealing their boxes, blankets and other articles sent 
by friends at the North. The last story, absurd as it is, is as true as 
the first, and both, I hardly need say, are malicious falsehoods — the 
one class of reports being systematically manufactured and circulated 
by men in one or two of the old regiments from Massachusetts, who 
wiU never forgive us because we were voted bounties after we had 
enlisted. 

Since writing the above my attention has been called to a paragraph 
in a letter " from the 27th and 46th Regiments," in which the 44th 
Regiment is accused of refusing to charge at the battle of Kinston. 
The accusation is wholly and uncpuilifiedly false. The 44th did all it 
was told to do at Kinston, and it was personally complimented for its 
behavior by General Foster, as we marched by him into town. I con- 
fess that I undertake to reply to these slanders with very little patience. 
The individual who was induced to send them north for publication 
showed less sagacity than the reporter of the New York Herald, who 
was actually approached with a bribe to make certain statements derog- 
atory to the 44th, and touching points of which he could have no per- 
sonal knowledge. I have this from the Herald reporter's own mouth : 
and the reader will judge how far it goes to confirm the suspicion of a 
systematic purpose to do us an injury. 

Lieutenant Weld has been elected Captain of Company K, in place 
of Captain Reynolds, resigned ; and Second Lieutenant Brown, who 
becomes First Lieutenant, is succeeded by Sergejint Parkinson. Lieu- 
tenant George H. Lombard succeeds to the captaincy of Company C- 
by the resignation of Captain Jacob H, Lombard, and Sergeant Hedge 
becomes First Lieutenant. Lieutenant Briggs, of this company, is 
serving on the signal corps. 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 67 

The names of those who have recently died in camp, of malarious 
fever, are Pollitz and Moody, of Company P ; Kimball, of Company 
Gr ; and Moulton, of Company C. The prevalence of this disease is 
attributed to the dryness of the season. It is not confined to one regi- 
ment. When the swamps which surround us are filled with rain, the 
cause will be removed. 

At dress parade last evening the following order was read : 
" In consideration of and as a reward for their brave deeds at Kins- 
ton, Whitehall and Goldsborough, the Commanding General directs 
that the regiments and batteries which accompanied the expedition to 
Goldsborough inscribe upon their banners these victories ; 

KiNsTON, December 14th, 1862. 
Whitehall, December 16th, 1862. 
GoLDSBORoroH, DECEMBER 17th, 1862. 

The Commanding General hopes that all future fields will be so 
fought that the record of them may be kept by inscription on the ban- 
ners of the regiments engaged." 



Newber::^, N. C, Jan. 23, 1863. 
The first grand Terpsichorean festival of the New Year in our regi- 
ment transpired on the evening of the 20th instant, in the barracks of 
Co. D. The much lamented absence of the feminine element was in 
part atoned for by female apparel donned for the occasion by a number 
of young men with smooth faces and an eye to artistic eflTect. If Jen- 
kins had been present his pencil would have waxed eloquent over the 
superb attire and tasteftil colors of the magnificent blonde. Miss C. D. 
N. His page would have glowed with lover-like panegyrics of the tall 
and peerless, white-robed queen of the night, Miss G. F. B. Good 
taste, however, might have suggested that the former was a little too 
f,'?i bon point, as well as too demonstrative in her personal decorations, 
and that the latter was a trifle tall %r the breadth of her raiment. But 
when Jenkins came to the Misses C. F. W., J. H. AV., W. G. K. and 
especially to Miss C. W. S., of East Boston, he would assuredly have 
" .slopped over" in his characteristic manner. Not, however, because 
these Hebes were less faulty in toilet than the others, for a critical eye 
might have suggested dresses higher in the neck, longer in skirt, and 
less protuberant in th# rear; less suggestive, in short, of those gay and 



68 LETTERS FROM THE 

festive occasions which have rendered Joe Clasli and North street im- 
mortal the world over. Some of the gallants of the young women were 
scarcely less stunning in their make up. The insignia of military 
office, fi'om that of Major Generals to Lieutenants, extensively prevailed. 
Dancing, of course, was the order of the night ; a fiddler was engaged, 

and 

" ^Vhen music arose with its voluptuous swell, 
Soft eyes looked love to eyes which spake again, 
And all went merry as a marriage bell." 

The following is the 

ORDER OF DANCES. 

1. Sicilian Circle March to Tarboro'. 

2. Quadrille, New England Guards. 

'6. Polka Quadrille, . . . , ' . Kinston Gallop. 

4. Quadrille, , . . . . Yankee Doodle. 

intermission. 
Waltz, I'olka Redowa, Schottische. 

5. Quadrille, Bloody 4:4th Quickstep. 

G. Les Lanciers, Connecticut 10th March. 

7. Quadrille, Lee's March. 

S. Contra {Virginia Reel) , Rebels' Last Skedaddle. 

In this connection I will introduce the managerial card, which was 
as follows : 

GRAND BALL. 

Sir: — The pleasure of your company, with ladies, is respectfully solicited at 
a Grand Ball, to be held in the Grand I'arlor of the Fifth Avenue Hotel, (No. 
4 Newbern,) on Tuesday Evening, .January 20th, 18(53. 

The Management beg leave to state that nothing will be left undone on their 
part to make it the party of the season. 

MANAGERS. 

C. IL Dejieritt, W. Howard, J. E. Leighton. 

COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS. 

Benj. F. Burchsted, C. D. Newell, W. G. Reed, H. D. Stanwood, 

W. E. Savery, F. A. Sayer, F. M. Flanders, H. Howard, 

J. B. Gardner, .Joe Simouds, Charles Adams, G. W. Hight. 

MUSIC. 

Quintzelbottom's Grand Quadrille and Serenade Band, 

(One Violin.) 

Tickets $ 00.03 each, to b'e had of the Managers. 

Jl^" Xo Postage Stamps or Sutler's Checks taken in payment. 

N. B. Ladies will be allowed to smoke. 

Persons wishing carriages will please apply to Lieut. White, of the Ambu- 
lance Corpse. 

Persons wishing anything stronger than Water are referred to the "Sanitary." 

The managers were dccurated with official rosettes, a solid square of 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, 69 

hard tack forming the centre of each. Even some of the belles of the 
evening were resplendent with pendant jewels cut from the same tena- 
cious mineral. 

That nothing might be wanting to revive the memories of Clash's 
Hall, a bar was improvised inside the sliding door where we get our 
rations, and here the cooks busily regaled the dancers with water, and 
molasses and water, from a bottle and a single tumbler, while announc- 
ing, by means of placards over the window, " Splendid New Drinks," 
in the shape of quinine and diarrhoea mixture No. 3, names forever as- 
sociated with and articulate in the surgeon's matutinal bugle-call. The 
bar soon began to show its effects in the shape of cocked hats, awry 
toilets, loud-mouthed controversies, and, at last, fighting. The inter- 
vention of an active but diminutive policemen was invoked. He was a 
little man, but chewed tobacco with a serious determination, which boded 
danger to evil doers. His services in keeping back the crowd and 
quelling disturbances in the vicinity of the bar were in constant requi- 
sition. Not unfrequently his badge was seen tossing in the midst of a 
riotous crowd, and he was reported to be once seen skedaddling before 
a slightly superior force. He was noticed as being very familiar with 
your reporter, whom he furnished with considerable doubtful informa- 
tion about his own operations. 

At the proper hour refreshments were served. " A beautiful slave," 
in the person of Mr. West Williams, heretofore mentioned in these let- 
ters, entered with two trays containing severally hard tack and salt 
horse. His advent was hailed with the same shouts and swaying of the 
crowd as usually attend the administration of our rations. The tack 
and horse vanished, and the dance proceeded with various divertise- 
ments to the end. 

We had many visitors, including Colonel Lee and staff, all of whom 
evinced thair intense satisfaction with what they heard and saw. 

It is expected that other balls, including a masquerade, will succeed 
this affair. 

A soldier's life is one of curious contrasts. Although not always gay, 
it has the jolliest kind of episodes. It affords the two emotional ex- 
tremes. One day finds him in the midst of hilai'ity and social enjoy- 
ment, the next in the blood and carnage of battle, with friends falling 
all about him 

" Thick as autumnal leaves in Valambrosa." 
But an hour or two before the festivities recounted above, a slow-mov- 



70 LETTERS FROM THE 

ing procession with muffled drum and reversed arms, moved from our 
lines with the remains of a much-loved comrade suddenly stricken down 
with the malarious fever. His name was Boynton, of Company G. A 
day or two previously, Corporal IJpham of the same company died of 
the same disease. 



Neavbekn, N. C, Jan. 27, 1863. 

The prevalence of malarious fever among some of the soldiers in this 
department at this season, has created a little excitement, and I hope 
no exaggerated stories concerning it will reach the ears of our friends 
at the North. Since my last but two fatal cases have occurred, mak- 
ing eight in all. The last two deceased were Bradbury of Co. C, and 
Ingraham of Co. F. 

Malarious fever, although characteristic of this locality in summer, 
was not anticipated here after the early frosts ; but the succeeding 
severe drouth so reduced the bulk of water in the neighboring swamps 
as to leave a margin of mud, which has sent forth the fever poison. It 
is not sure, however, that our miserably contracted barracks have 
nothing to do with this disease. 

While by the army regulations of England and France, each soldier 
in barracks is allowed a thousand cubic feet of air and space, we are 
allowed but two hundred and fifty in which to live and move and have 
our being ; in which to eat and sleep, and read and write, and to store 
our effects. English and French barracks, generous as they are in 
space, are still provided with a commissary room in which to store any 
private rations which the men may fortunately possess ; but American 
soldiers must make bunk-fellows of their butter, pies and pickles, or 
go without them. Then again, our barracks at Newbern are con- 
structed of wet, unseasoned lumber, fresh from unhealthy swamps, so 
that upon the walls and roof of some of them, green mould gathers. 
All these circumstances are at least suggestive of something; if they are 
not, what's the matter ? There are certainly no reasons why American 
baiTacks should not be the largest and best in the world. 

We are surely not deficient in space, materials, or in constructive 
ingenuity-, among the soldiers who are detailed to build and fit up quar- 
ters. No sane man would herd cattle together so closely as we are 
herded, for fear of breeding distemper. They are well-settled facts 
that soldiers upon the marcli, and bivouacing ever}- night in the open 
air, are in better health than when living in barracks : and that march- 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGDIENT. 71 

iug and bivouacing cure the colds contracted by means of fi-equeut sud- 
den changes from close barracks to the open air. 

In my last I gave you some account of an extemporized ball in the 
barrack of Co. T>. Since then a grand masquerade has been held 
under the auspices of Co. E, our nearest left hand neighbor. Only a 
few hours were given to preparation, but the affair assumed an extent, 
as well as an appearance of elegance and grotesque humor not a little 
surprising, considering the limited resources of soldiers in camp. The 
members of the regiment were forewarned of the entertainment by the 
following notice : 

BAL MASQUE. 

A Grand Regimental Bal Masque will be held to-night, .Jan. '2ith, at the bar- 
rack of Co. E. None admitted except commissioned officers and those en cos- 
tume. 

The restriction was of little avail. Those who failed to pass the 
door keepers entered at the ventilators, and there was soon assembled 
the largest audience of the season. There were many masked and 
assumed characters, but the favorite and prevailing assumption was 
that of a girl. This was uniformly excellent, showing beyond doubt a 
close and enthusiastic devotion to the study of the character in the 
original. If you may trust the taste of your Jenkins, Miss K., of Co. 
F, was the belle of the occasion, although our public opinion is divided 
between that lady and Miss A., of Co. Gr, Miss R., of Co. E, the Misses 
H. and the Misses S., of Co. D, Miss H., of Co. A, and some others. 
I regret the poverty of vocabulary that prevents my describing their 
costumes. All of them were tasteful and some elegant. One lady of 
color attracted a large share of attention. Several personations of the 
Prince of Darkness were voted admirable. Not the worst Satan was a 
young divinity student of Co. D, who had evidently studied his role. 
Bird o' Freedom Sawin was there as a Pilgrim Father. There were 
harlequins, clowns, policemen, men of impenetrable visage, and one 
venerable monk with crucifix and beads. The barrack was brilliantly 
lighted by the aid of chandeliers, and there were, of course, music 
and dancing. Nearly all our ofiicers were present, including the field 
and staff, together with several officers and privates from our excellent 
neighbor, the gallant Connecticut 10th, endeared to us alike by their 
signal bravery in the field of battle, and their cordial friendship toward 
us as a regiment. 

We are adding to the defensive strength of Newbern. Rumor has 
it that the rebels are in strong force at Kinston. The situation of 



72 LETTERS FROM THE 

affairs in Virginia, and the growing importance of Gen. Foster's com- 
mand, render the report more than probable. The feint of an attack, 
or the probability of it, has not prevented the embarkation from this 
place of a large expeditionary force for some point or points to us un- 
known, but doubtless of vital importance to the rebels. The result 
of its operations will reach you in good time. Unexpectedly to our- 
selves and to every one else, our regiment is left behind to help guard 
Newbern, now deemed by some the post of danger. The 45th is doing 
provost-guard duty in Newbern. 



Fkbruary 1, 1863. 

If Leigh Hunt, who discoursed so eloquently of the comforts of a 
bed, could have added to his genius the experience of a soldier, his bed 
panegyrics would have been moving indeed. The leisurely process of 
disrobing preparatory for the smooth comfort of clean sheets may not 
inaptly be compared to the change from the heavy, crawling chrysalis 
to the winged and airy insect radiant of a new experience. I forget 
whether or not Leigh Hunt made some such comparison as this ; but he 
did dilate upon the positive luxury springing from the contact of two legs 
— to wit, your own two legs — after a day's cruel separation by the 
nether integuments which custom has rendered indispensable. If we 
survive our term of service, shall we not enjoy a bed ? AVith limbs 
and trunks that have not pressed a sheet for nine months — limbs sub- 
jected to an intermitting friction of coarse flannel night and day for 
three-fourths of a year, in frigid bivouac and unyielding bunks — we 
certainly shall be prepared to experience and sing the pleasures of a 
bed when at last we come to the enjoyment of that luxury. 

The Fry has arrived with our boxes. Besides the many containing 
good things to eat were several filled with not less useful offerings in 
the shape of stockings, wristcrs, sleeping caps, ttc, made and con- 
tributed by some of our young friends of the gentler sex, who accom- 
panied their gifts with anonymous notes, or notes bearing the signatures 
of " Betsey Baker" and other mythical young women. Contrary to 
newspaper rules the editor of this paper must allow me to take notice 
of these communications. 

" Betsey Baker " writes : 

" May these socks prove a safeguard against all bullets. If they 
prove such inform" &c., &c. 

Thank you, dear, I will. 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 73 

" Nelly Bly " writes : 

" Would that I were with you to darn your socks for you ! If j^ou 
want me to come, send" &c., &c. 

" Mary of the Wild Moor " writes : 

" Will the receiver of these socks please send me an account of the 
first march he takes with them ?"' 

This letter was commenced on board the transport steamer North- 
erner, an old lake boat, which is now transporting the 44th Regiment 
from Newberu to Plymouth, N. C. The Northerner is a spacious, com- 
fortable old craft, and we are far better commoded on board of her 
than we were on the Merrimac, which conveyed us from Boston, or the 
George Collins, which afterwards carried us to Washington and then 
back to Newbern from Plymouth. Some of us really rejoice in the 
possession of staterooms, but the majority are contented to stretch 
themselves upon the floors of the spacious and well-lighted saloons, 
where at night we lie at every angle, and sleep like bi'icks. The stores 
by the Fry and other arrivals are serving us a good purpose while we 
are away fi-om the comforts of the barracks. We haven't our daily 
soft bread, fresh meat and coffee twice a day, but our knapsacks are 
filled with preserved meats and fruits, apples, cakes, cheese, butter, &c., 
and the cra\ang for food born of sea air is more than satisfied. Our 
regular rations of hard tack and salt meat at the bottom of our haver- 
sacks will keep until we need them. 

We like these occasional aquatic trips. They are so good for the 
health and spirits of the men, that we half suspect our excellent sur- 
geon had a voice in the planning of this last expedition. Newbern is 
hardly desirable as a place of long-continued residence, although an 
admirable and easily-defended military post. The band (owrband) are 
with us, with their instruments. Their muskets are at Newberu, hence 
I conclude om- expedition is not intended to be a very sanguinary one. 

Febkuaky 2, 1863. 

We arrived at Plymouth about half past three this afternoon, and 
were glad to be informed that we were to retain our comfortable 
quarters on board the steamer until the next day. -The cooks went on 
shore and made us coffee, and we supped comfortably. The evening 
opened beautifully, with a singularly bright moon, and the boys were in 
high spirits. Groups gathered upon the deck and sung glees. The 
saloon was cleared for a dance, and the light fantastic was tripped to 
the music of two fifes. The band took a position upon the hurricane 
deck, and discoursed their best strains. About the fires on the shore 



74 



LETTERS FROM THE 



were groups of agile contrabands, delighting a number of spectators 
with their unique dances and songs. Altogether, a more cheering and 
picturesque scene could not well be imagined. 

Febrvaky 3, 1863. 

We awoke this morning to find the ground white with snow, and 
the air thick with flakes, driven by a high wind. The scene was de- 
cidedly New Englandish, and contrasted curiously with that of the pre- 
ceding evening. The climate of the " Sunny South" is certainly not 
without its freaks. We shall remain on board to-day, we are happy to 
be informed. 

Plymouth shows sad marks of the recent rebel raid upon that town. 
Nearly fifty houses were burned by them, and the court-house, where 
our little force rallied, is thickly marked with their artillery shots. Up- 
on our arrival the place was garrisoned by two companies of the 
Massachusetts 27th, one of the 3d, and a small force of Noi'th Carolina 
Cavalry. Three or four gunboats are also here, and it is rumored that 
we are to act in concert with them in an attack upon Kainbow Bluff, 
where a North Carolina regiment (the 17th, the same which we routed 
at Rawle's Mill, on the third of November,) is said to be strongly en- 
trenched. Rainbow Bluff commands the Roandke River, a very few 
miles this side of Hamilton, and over thirty miles from Plymouth. We 
find here a North Carolina deserter who sets the rebel loss at Kinston 
at five hundred. The rebel skedaddle from that place was of the most 
conftised description. We are gratified to learn, as we do from the 
same source, that we did the rebels serious detriment at Whitehall, a 
fact which their hidden position would not permit us to know at the 
time. The enemy had an excellent view of us, and their riflemen were 
ordered to make General Stevenson, whom they recognized, a particu- 
lar mark. 

February 4, 1863. 

We remained at Plymouth yesterday. The right wing of the regiment 
was transferred from the steamer to a large storehouse on the wharf. 
It was a cold day and we had no fires in the building, so the boys wan- 
dered over the town, and made themselves comfortable in negro cabins, 
where they boiled their coffee and ate hoe-cake and other luxuries. 

The right snug hostelry of Mary Lee, a free colored woman and an 
excellent cook, was the centre of attraction, being thronged with officers, 
naval and military, all day. Your correspondent and a friend or two 
were happy enough to sit at a Christian table for almost the first time 
since leaving Boston, and devour fried pork and eggs, white biscuits, 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 75 

etc. To make our happiness complete, our frames were last night pil- 
lowed upon a Northern feather bed. It was a terribly cold night for 
North Carolina, and we had reason to bless the fate which gave us a 
warm bed in place of the cold, cheerless old storehouse where most of 
the boys shivered the night through. 

Last evening, after supper, we sat by the cheerful fireside of a North 
Carolina Unionist, and while we watched the blaze between the jambs, 
listened with a charmed sense to the tinkle of the tea things as they 
were washed and set away. Our host, hostess, and two youngest occu- 
pied a bed in the warmest corner of the sitting room, " GofF, the Regi- 
cide," John and your correspondent slept in the opposite corner. We 
retired first, but were not too sleepy to watch with thrilling interest the 
series of comforting preparations before a domestic couple with a baby 
can retire. The infant was in its happiest mood ; and, while its little 
limbs were allowed to bask in the firelight, it held a crooning conversa- 
tion with its father, who assured the offspring that it was a right smart 
baby and had slept a heap since morning. 

It is now high noon of Wednesday. A facetious fellow, one of the 
heroes of Tarboro', has just informed me that the " object of the expe- 
dition (to Plymouth) is accomplished," and that "Plymouth" is to be 
put upon our banner. 



February 8, 1863. 
On our way back to Newborn, when, in my last, I gave currency to 
the rumor that the object of our expedition to Plymouth was accom- 
plished, I only gave echo to a popular mistake. But yesterday noon 
an order from headquarders, addressed to our right wing, directing us 
to put ourselves in light marching order, with twenty-four hours' 
rations of hard tack in our haversacks, gave us a renewed impression 
of the uncertainty of camp rumors, and told us unmistakably that 
something was on foot. In the morning Colonel Lee had given us the 
liberty of the town, and the enthusiasm with which this favor had been 
received and enjoyed was not a little dampened by the unexpected 
order, which many of us received while delectating ourselves at the 
tables spread for us by the natives of Plymouth. What was up ? 
Where were we to go ? " Into the bush for wood," remarked our 
always complaisant Quartermaster, " and perhaps a little farther, to 
stretch your legs, if the roads are not too heavy." As though the 
heroes of Tarboro' and Goldsboro' needed to have their legs stretched! 



76 LETTERS FROM THE 

We noted suspiciously the twinkle in the eye of the Quartermaster, but 
fell in at the word of command, and were soon marching out of Ply- 
mouth on the " Long Acre Road. " 

A mile or two out the road forked. Here we left Co. B and half of 
Co. C to act as picket guards on each avenue. Leaving the Washington 
road on our right, and soon after our wagons by a pile of dry wood, we 
found ourselves repeating the old familiar tramp, tramp through the mud 
and sand and water of North Carolina, past weather-stained but comfor- 
table looking homesteads : past small plantations, through pine woods, 
through creeks, and over bridges. We were not long in ascertaining 
the fact that we were on a foraging expedition, and if history should 
call it a reconnoisance, the misnomer will never restock the stables and 
storehouses, the bee-hives and hen-roosts, that night depleted along 
the road of Long Acre. We received an early hint that we were going 
to capture a lot of bacon, twelve miles out of Plj^mouth, but if the res- 
idents along the road this side that point managed to save their own 
bacon and things, they certainly had reason to bless their stars. If it 
would not be considered unsoldicrly and too sentimental, your corres- 
pondent might feel inclined to deprecate this business of foraging, as it 
is carried on. It is pitiful to see homes once, perhaps, famed for their 
hospitality, entered and robbed : even if the robbers respect the code 
of war. It is not less hard for women and children to be deprived of 
the means of subsistence because their husbands and sons and brothers 
are shooting at us from the bush. But war is a great, a terrible, an 
undiscriminating monster, and no earthly power may stay the ravages 
of the unleashed brute. 

Ten miles fi-om PljTuouth we were forced to wade nearly knee deep 
through a creek one-fourth of a mile wide at the ford. The water was 
ice-cold, and gave our feet and ankles a pain more intense than I can 
well describe. At last (about half past ten o'clock) we halted, and 
were happy to be informed that the object of the expedition was accom- 
plished. The column was near a house. After making somewhat 
particular incjuiries we were informed that we had captured a dozen 
barrels of pork, and that the chaplain, as a temperance measure, had 
resolutely knocked in the head of a barrel of sweet cider, but not, how- 
ever, until a few enterprising fellows had filled their canteens with the 
delicious beverage. We were now ready to countermarch, and five 
o'clock this morning found us again at Plymouth, after a night march 
of twenty-five miles. 

But for the risk of being tedious, I would ask the reader to accom- 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 77 

pany us upon our return, to halt with us at every house and listen to 
the voice of disturbed poultry aroused from sleep to die an untimely 
death ; to see the column halt at every henery, and promptly move 
again when the victimized fowls had given utterance to their last 
despairing notes ; to see donkey carts laden with geese upset in the 
creek, and hear the eloquently profane protests of officers and privates 
as they again floundered through the ice-water at the long ford. It 
was a rough night, but all experience is valuable. 

February 9. 
We lay still a portion of last night and this forenoon in Albemarle 
Sound, on account of fog. This afternoon we were obliged to take 
coal, and at nightfall, a mile off Eoanoke Island, the fog was again 
setting in. We shall probably not reach Newbern until late to-morrow. 
This letter will be taken to Roanoke Island, and go from thence to 
New York. 



Newbehn, N. C, Feb. 17, 1863. 

We are visited occasionally at Newbern by friends from Boston. 
Few things are more agreeable to us than the sight of forms and faces 
bringing with them airs of home. We scan the dress of a civilian as 
something almost ovtre for its singiilarity. The sight of smooth, white 
shirts is positively tantalizing. Among our visitors here have been J. 
Thomas Stevenson and wife, father and mother of General Stevenson, 
Rev. Mr. Barnard, Rev. Mr. Thompson, of Jamaica Plain, and Rev. 
Dr. Lothrop. The latter gentleman preached to the regiment on the 
15th. To gaze upon the goodly rotundity of that familiar form was 
like being introduced to a slice of Boston, whereof the centre was the 
old church and cannon ball in Brattle Square. He favored us with an 
admirable discourse from the words, " Keep thy heart with all diligence, 
for out of it are the issues of life." No admonition is more needed by 
the soldier than that conveyed in this text, and as enforced by the en- 
ergetic eloquence of Dr. Lothrop. We need frequent reminders of the 
justness and greatness of our cause to keep our hearts warmly engaged 
in a service so full of sacrifice as this. I fear we have too little of the 
martyr-spirit which saves a people, and that the North must make up 
in numbers and treasure what it lacks in the heroic spirit of the fathers 
of the Revolution. If our nice young gentlemen at home hope to keep 
clear of this scrape, I fear they will be disappointed. 

Among our visitors from Boston, I should have mentioned Sergeant 



78 LETTERS FROM THE 

AVlioelwriglit, who came out as supercargo of the schooner Fry. The 
rocoptiou which his friends in the regiment extended to him was of the 
most touching description. After numerous aifectionate emlu-aces, he 
was invited to take a drink — of quinine ! This being declined, hard 
tack and salt horse were severally pressed upon him with an urgent hos- 
pitality difficult to be refused. Upon our late expedition from Plymouth 
(named the ham-fat). Sergeant Wheelwi'ight acted as orderly for Colonel 
Lee, and showed himself a forager of great natural ability. As we wit- 
nessed him first mounted upon a dashing mule, and then a fleet horse, 
we could hardly persuade ourselves that he had not profited by the rich 
experiences of Tarboro' and Goldsboro'. 

Among the few deaths which have recently occurred in the regiment 
is that of private Hopkinson, of Company F, who died of ty))hoid fever. 
He was a graduate of Harvard College, and one of the brightest intel- 
lects in the regiment. A few years ago he was temporarily connected 
witli the Boston Advertiser. His remains have been embalmed, and 
will be sent North. 

We are beginning to feel the breath of spring. Dandelions are com- 
mencing to bloom in Newborn, and wild onions are springing up over 
our parade ground. At night the neighboring swamps are vocal with 
tlie voices of frogs. 

We are to have a dramatic entertainment with which to celebrate the 
anniversary of Washington's birth-day, provided, of course, we are al- 
lowed to remain in Newbern. At present our brigade is a divided one, 
the Connecticut 10th and the Massachusetts 24th being a part of the 
great Southern expedition. Greneral Stevenson is with the 10th and 
24il\. The remaining regiment of our brigade, the Ehode Island 5th, 
\< with us at Newbern. 



Neavbkrk, N. C, Feb. 28, 1863. 
AVe celebrated Washington's birthday on the evening of the 23d by 
a hal masque in the barracks of Companies D and E. The aifair 
crowned and surpassed all our previous efforts in this line, and was 
xmiversally decided to be a big thing. The barracks, which had recently 
been whitewashed, were united by the removal of a partition, and 
formed a saloon one hundred and twenty feet in length. The fronts of 
the bunks were covered with shelter tents depending like curtains. To 
these at proper intervals were attached scrolls with green borders bear- 
in" the names of the captains and lieutenants of the regiment. More 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 79 

conspicuously appeared the names of Colonel Lee and staff, General 
Stevenson, of our brigade. General Wessells, of our division, and 
General Foster, chief of this army corps. At the head of the saloon 
was erected a platform carpeted with rubber blankets. Back of this 
was suspended a large American flag, with the name of Washington 
upon a scroll. Upon other scrolls appeared the date of his birth and 
the words " First in war," &c. Midway of the barracks was a graceful 
canopy of flags, and at various other points the national colors were 
appropriately disposed to heighten the general effect. Our well-bvir- 
nished rifles were crossed on the front of the bunks, and rayed from 
centers on the walls. Chandeliers, beautifully trimmed with green and 
moss, lighted up the long room and its decorations, and gave the apart- 
ment an appearance of real magnificence. It even surpassed the most 
sanguine expectations of those who had industriously labored upon the 
decorations. Such was the appearance of the barracks alone ; but 
when later in the evening they were crowded with people wearing the 
varied and grotesque costumes of the occasion, and the uniforms of a 
large nmnber of ofiicers, the scene was more brilliant than I can de- 
scribe. 

But the chief feature of the occasion was the presence of General 
Foster, General "Wessells, and a large number of oflacers from various 
regiments in this department, all of whom were pleased to warmly 
commend the taste and enterprise of the 44th boys. It is needless to 
say that the presence of our distinguished visitors was enthusiastically 
recognized by us. 

Tne following was the order of dances : — 

1. March and Sicilian Circle Lee's Quickstep. 

2. Quadrille Sullivan's Double Quick. 

3. Les Lancers Richardson's March. 

4. Contra Skittletop Gallop. 

6. Polka Redowa Odiorne's Choice. 

6. Quadrille Surgeon's Call. 

7. Polka . . ....... Mary Lee's Delight. 

8. Contra Stebbins's Keel. 

INTEKMISSION. 

Waltz — Varsovienne — Schottische. 

9. Quadrille Ham Fat .Man. 

10. Waltz Pas de Seul. 

11. Quadrille Dismal Swamp Promenade. 

12. Contra Our Friends at Home. 

1.3'. Polka Quadrille Long Acre Gallop. 

14. Quadrille Dug-out Race. 

15. Military do. Newell's March. 



80 LETTERS FROM THE 

Here is the managerial card : 

GRAND MASQUERADE BALL. 
Sir: — The pleasure of your company, with ladies, is respectfully solicited at 
a Grand Bal Masque to be given under the auspices of the -tlth Regimental 
Dramatic Association, at the Barracks of Companies D and E, on 

MONDAY EVENING, FEB. 23 1863. 

The management desii-e to state that nothing will be left undone to render it 
the party of the season. 

Floor Managers. 
Willard Howard. J. B. Rice, Harry T. Reed. 

Committee of Arrangements. 
Sergeant G. L. Tripp . Company D. 

" H. A. Homer, " E. 

Corporal Z. T. Haines, " D. 

" J. B. Gardner, " D. 

J. W. Cartwright, " E. 

" M. E. Boyd, • . » D. 

C. E. Tucker, » E- 

Private F. A. Sayer, " D. 

" H. Howard, " D. 

" J. H. Waterman, Jr., " D. 

" H. Bradish " E. 

" C. H. Demeritt " D. 

" D. Howard, " D. 

«' E. L. Hill, "A. 

In order to defray the expenses, Tickets will be placed at lU cents each, to be 
procured of the Managers. No tickets sold at the door. Visitors are expected 
to appear en costume. 

Musio by the New Berne Quadrille Band, five pieces. 

The Management desire to express their sincere thanks to the OflBcers of this 
Regiment for the many favors granted by them in aid of this undertaking. 

The hall will be appropriately decorated. 

The Newberu Quadrille Band, composed of (Z/scolored young gentle- 
men, did not distinguish itself; but our own regimental band, under 
Major Babcock, — which, by the way, has received its splendid new 
instruments, — came to the rescue gallantly, and added largely to the 
eclat of the affair, ■which, by the way, was ptcnntaribj successful, leav- 
ing us funds which will enable us to produce in good time an original 
opera, and one expected to contain several local and personal hits. 
But of that hereafter. 

The following deaths have recently occurred in the regiment: 

Geo. B. Young, Co. G, malarious fever. 

Charles A. Bradt, Co. C, malarious fever. 

E. N. FuUer, Co. A, measles. 

James S. Gilmorc, Co. K, diptheria and lung fever. 

Sergt. Charles Harwood, Co. I, diptheria. 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 81 

This month fifteen men have been discharged for disability. The 
general health of the regiment, however, is quite good — better than it 
was a short time ago ; but experience is convincing all concerned that 
our miserably pinched up barracks are a fruitful cause of disease. The 
regiments in tents are the healthiest ones. 

The Boston regiment of colored men has excited much interest here. 
Some of our best men have accepted commissions in it. Among these 
are Lieut. Hartwell, Sergts. James and Russell, of Co. F. We shall 
part with these men with great regret, and at the same time give them 
a hearty Godspeed in their brave and self-sacrificing undertaking. 
There is no warmer friend of the Massachusetts 54th regiment than 
Col. Lee ; and the best evidence of the fact is in the cheerful alacrity 
which he shows in supplying it with officers from the best men of his 
own command. I understand that Gen. Foster favors the scheme of 
recruiting regiments of colored men. Several items of regimental new.s 
must lie over. 



Newbern, N. C, Maech 4, 1863. 
^ly last letter contained a brief account of a Washington birth-day 
ball in our barracks, but the hasty description I was then obliged to 
give conveyed a very inadequate idea of the brilliancy of the subject, 
and will be quite unsatisfactory to those who were present. I cannot 
remember a ball-room which presented a finer effect in its decorations 
than ours. It was remarkable to observe what a little taste and indus- 
try were able to accomplish with our limited means, not only as respects 
the decorations, but in the costumes and characters assumed. The 
young women who had stunned all beholders at previous masquerades, 
appeared with augmented charms. Some were doubtless outstripped 
by others, but I shall this time avoid invidious comparisons. The 
" Albino Family," with head-dresses of frayed ropes, was an exceed- 
ingly clever take-off of Barnum's curious beings at the Aquarial Gar- 
dens. Deacon Doolittle, of Vermont, who had come down to Newbern 
to gratify himself with the spectacle of young men bleeding for their 
country, was one of the richest impersonations of the evening. The 
old man was deeply surprised to see young ladies smoking cigars, and 
averred that such a thing was unheard of when he was a young man. 
Deacon Doolittle got interested in Deacon Foster, and the two were 
seen arm-in-arm. The white woolly locks and limp of the latter deacon 
were unmistakable in the throng. Deacon Doolittle's humanitarian 



82 LETTERS FROM THE 

character having got noised about among the managers, the old man 
was invited to the phitform, from which lie made an edifying address, 
at last bringing down the house by kissing a gun which he held in his 
hand. 

Among other assumptions were those of a member of the Howard 
(street blackleg fraternity, " The Press," a harlequin, several devils, 
&;c., &c. " The Press " was clad in newspapers, the Sunday Herald 
being conspicuous among a great variety of enterprising journals dis- 
played in the costume. Several rollicking sailors and dashing cavalry 
officers gave variety to the costumes and added life to the scene. The 
little brigadier of Company A was admirably made up, and the char- 
acter was sustained in a manner truly artistic. The same may be said 
of the little Continental brigadier of Company E, the Indian, of the 
same company, the Turk, of Company F, and Miss Columbia, of Com- 
pany C, who, being the " Gem of the Ocean," was observed to be on 
intimate terms with one of the sailors. Some of our friends will have 
the pleasure of examining pictures of several of these characters, and 
will thus obtain a better idea of their appearance than it is possible for 
me to give in words, even if I should undertake the hopeless task. 

Last Wednesday, the 25th, witnessed a grand review of the troops 
at Newbern. Our friends may be pleased to know that the 44th Regi- 
iment was generally acknowledged to be second to no regiment in the 
field for the excellence of its marching and general appearance. The 
review was witnessed by a large number of spectators, including many 
ladies in carriages and on horseback. 

Day before yesterday Companies F and B, Captains Storrow and 
Griswold, were sent out to do picket duty a few miles up the railroad. 

The last death in our regiment was that of Otis S. Merrill, of Com- 
pany C, who died of measles. Nearly fifty are on the sick list. There 
are but few cases of malarious fever among our men, but the Massa- 
chusett,s 51st has suffered quite severely from it. That regiment is 
soon to commence garrison duty at Beaufort and Fort Macon, the Par- 
adise of this department. The 44th will probably soon do provost 
marshal duty in Newbern. 



Newbeen, N. C, March 14, 1863. 
The peaceful quiet of our life at Newburn was to-day interrupted 
by an attack from the rebels. Gen. Foster had arranged to celebrate 
the day in a manner becoming the anniversary of the capture of New- 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, 83 

bern. But a grand march in review and other ct ceteras were unex- 
pectedly substituted by salutes with shot and shell from a brigade of 
rebels on the eastern shore of the Neuse, who made an early attack 
vipon our outpost on that shore. This outjoost force, which is stationed 
directly opposite the camp of our regiment, consisted of the New York 
92nd regiment, strongly entrenched near the shore. Previous to the 
attack, the rebel General (Pettigrew) is reported to have sent in 
several demands for a surrender, which were promptly refused. The 
rebels then commenced a vigorous fire of grape and canister, which 
passed harmlessly over the heads of the little garrison, and beat the 
waters of the Neuse into foam. An occasional shell from the rebel 
lines came over the river and lodged upon our parade grovmd; and 
groups of spectators from our regiment, standing upon the shore, were 
admonished not to present too conspicuous a mark for the enemy's 
artillery. After a while, the rebels, observing the ineificacy of their 
fire, as the story goes about camp, attempted to carry our works by 
storm, but without result, save in a serious loss from the volleys which 
met their approach. In the meanwhile, several of our gunboats were 
doing good service by landing shells at proper places, and feeling up 
and down shore with their iron fingers. Several field batteries were 
also set at work on either side of our barracks, and by noon the rebel 
artillery was silenced. 

Of course the air is full of rumors, to wit : immense force of rebels 
on every side ; rebel generals swear they will dine at the Gaston House 
to-morrow; pickets driven in or captured on the Neuse and Trent roads ; 
Beaufort and Roanoke captured; the railroad seized; more fighting 
to-night, &c. 6z;c. That our pickets have been disturbed is doubtless 
true. Artillery and infantry have been sent out on the great roads, 
and over the Neuse the picket force is augmented, and great vigilance 
is for some good reason exercised, I shall not be able to send you 
later advices by this departure. We are not much frightened ; and, if 
we have got to fight the rebels, have no objections to doing so once 
Avith the advantages on our side. I allude to gunboats, plenty of 
ammunition, rifle pits, &c., and no long marches. 

I enclose herewith the libretto of an opera written and produced 
by members of our regiment. If you will reprint it, it may amuse 
some of our friends in Boston, although its best points are more 
apparent to the members of the regiment than to anybody else. You 
will not find the music. That was improvised and selected, and very 
many appropriate airs and witticisms were introduced in places not 



84 LETTERS FROM THE 

indicated in the printed text. It has been publicly produced three 
times before large audiences (two long barracks being full each time), 
includin" officers of the highest rank in this Department. Thursday 
nio'ht Gen. Foster and stafi", with his wife and nearly all the Northern 
ladies now resident in Newbern, were present. With the body of the 
house filled by officers in full uniform, opera has rarely been honored 
bv a more brilliant audience. We had a spacious stage, an act-drop, 
and other scenery, foraged from an old theatre in 'Newbern, some 
scenery painted by our own artists, a profusion of flags and green 
decorations, and a beautiful tableau with blue-lights to close with. 
The orchestra, under the lead of Mr. Hooke, played splendidly, and 
with a ti'uly theatrical efl'ect. Altogether, our distinguished auditors 
expressed themselves not only remarkably pleased with our efforts, 
but greatly surprised at what we had been able to accomplish under 
the circumstances of our position. Last night Ave gave an entertain- 
ment to the invalid guards of the Connecticut 10th and the Massa- 
chusetts 24th, the two detached regiments of our brigade, and one 
hundred men from the Rhode Island 5th. A thousand copies of the 
libretto have been printed, and their sale has added a handsome 
amount to the charitable fund of the regiment. 

March 15. 
The night was peaceful. Our extra pickets have come in, and the 
rebels arc believed to have skedaddled. It is probable that their 
main purpose was to capture our outpost on the east side of the 
Neuse, but, failing in this, have retreated. The rebels will always 
find Newbern a hot place. 



Washikotox, N. C, March 16, 1863. 
We bid fair to get the name of the expeditionary regiment of this 
department. You will observe by the date of this letter that we have 
ao'aiu pulled up stakes at Newbern, and moved to Washington, at the 
head of Pamlico Sound. Our friends will want an explanation of this 
new movement. My last letter mentioned an unsuccessful rebel attack 
on (nu- outpost on the easterly side of the Neuse. We were afterwards 
informed by negroes and deserters that seven hundred rebels were en- 
gaged in this attack, and that eight thousand were at the same time 
moving down on the Trent road, where they were promptly held in 
check by infantry and artillery sent out by General Foster. It is quite 
probable that these figures were not far from correct. That the rebels 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, 85 

were in large force at Kinston lias been well understood ever since our 
return fi'om the Groldsboro' raid, and they probably thought to make an 
easy conquest of the little force over the Neuse, well knowing that 
it would form a very pretty little celebration of the anniversary of 
the capture of Newbern. But failing in this project, as well as in 
their attempt to plant batteries with which to shell the town, the rebel 
forces withdrew. But it was a matter of some doubt with General Fos- 
ter whether the rebels would return to Kinston without attempting to 
accomplish something in this direction. He therefore determined to 
strengthen the garrison at Washington by sending hither our regiment, 
minus companies F and B, on picket, and here we are. We left New- 
bern last evening by the fine new little steamer Escort, and after a 
pleasant trip arrived here this afternoon. We came up to the wharf 
with music and flying colors, creating by our advent no little sensation 
among the soldiers and contrabands who came dancing down to the 
river in flocks. The afternoon sun was shining briskly, and Washing- 
ton presented a very lively and attractive air. We find eight companies 
of the Massachusetts 27th here, two companies of the North Carolina 
regiment, a company of cavalry and a company of artillery. The town 
is admirably protected by earthworks, block houses and a formidable 
fort, to say nothing of three gunboats in the stream. Neverthless, a 
rebel attack seems to be anticipated. Colonel Lee, of our regiment, in 
command of the detached brigade, formed by the Massachusetts 44th 
and the Rhode Island 5th, assumes command of this post. Tonight 
we bivouac a little west of the town upon the famous Grist plantation. 
We are occupying shelter tents for the first time, and find them " quite 
bully." The rapidity with which our canvas village assumed shape was 
amazing. The boys are assembled about the bivouac fires in high sport, 
or reading or writing by the light of candles within the tents. Colonel 
Lee has delighted all hearts by taking possession of the Grist mansion 
as his headquarters. The loyality of its proprietor is said to be of such 
an uncertain character that Colonel Lee has decided to put a little 
wholesome restriction upon his future movements. His house and 
grounds are the most elegant we have seen in North Carolina, and his 
cellar is said to be well stored with apple-jack. Grist himself is a fat, 
impudent looking specimen of the race of secesh. 

March 17. 
While we were standing about the fires this morning waiting for our 
coff'ee, we received a hurried order to strike tents. We had no doubt 
that, in consequence of important news from the pickets, a march was 



86 LETTERS FR0:M THE 

in contemplation, but were soon agreeably disappointed to ascertain 
that we were only required to pitch our tents so as to form company 
streets. Upon this job we then entered with alacrity. 

Grist (who is profanely misnamed by the soldiers) packed up his 
goods this morning prepatory to moving to his suburban residence out- 
side our lines ; but Colonel Lee decided that he couldn't dispense with 
his fascinating society at this juncture, especially as Governor Stanley's 
passport is no longer valuable to Grist or any other of the Governor's 
rebel favorites. Grist submitted philosophically. His mansion looms 
up temptingly among the trees near the right of our line. The place, 
I am told, figured in Porte Crayon's North Carolina sketches ; but the 
mansion has been renovated since then. It has doubtless been one of 
many hospitable homes in AYashington, which place is said to have been 
famed for its hospitality. 

This afternoon we were startled from our siestas by the metallic crack 
of rifled cannon on one of the gunboats. It was a charming sound, — 
scarcely less so than the dulcet strains of the 44th band, which at the 
present moment is discoursing "Departed Days" at Colonel Lee's 
head((uarters. They were feeling for rebels in the woods on the south 
side of the river. Scouts sent over the bridge last niglit and to-day re- 
port the presence of the enemy's pickets and intrenchments two or three 
nn'les up the road. 

March 18. 

Xo further sign of the enemy. After spending most of a very warm 
day in listlessness, we were marched through the town this evening for 
a dress parade with the 27th, upon the spot where we bivouaced last 
fall. The dust was intolerable, and the " expedition" was generally re- 
garded as a non-paying one. It afforded us, however, a good view of 
the town and its inhabitants. The female portion of the latter are not 
remarkable for smiling countenances. As a rule they are not lovely, 
being either podgy, with tum-up noses, or bony and forlorn. They talk 
tin-ough their noses, 

^rARCii 20. 

Your correspondent assisted in the performance of picket duty last 
night. The weather was terribly severe. For some reason or other an 
attack was momentarily expected, and we were kept upon the (jui rive. 
When we returned this morning, benumbed and drenched to the skin 
with rain, we found the infantry all behind the earthworks ready for ac- 
tion. It is now niirht, but there are no signs of the enemy. 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 87 

Washington, N. C, Makch 20, 1863. 

Our late exposure upon picket duty, and the continued nain, induced 
our officers to mercifully permit us to leave our shelter tents, and occu- 
py houses in town, so to-night we find ourselves happy in the enjoyment 
of excellent shelter and warm fires. What a contrast with our situation 
last night out on the T arbor o' road, drenched to the skin and chilled to 
the centre ! The liberty of the town has enabled us to fortify ourselves 
with such dainties as ham and eggs, milk, &c., and we are now as com- 
fortable as heart could wish. Better than all, we are not likely to be 
distm'bed to-night, for our cavalry scouts bring intelligence of the with- 
drawal of the rebels from this vicinity. 

Near where our shelter tents are pitched is the humble domicil of 
Aunt Fanny and family, members of the patriarchal household of Grist. 
Fanny's fireside was a great centre of attraction, and about it the sol- 
diers crowded in scores to escape the rain, against which cotton houses 
proved a slim protection. Aunt Fanny is of a retiring disposition, and 
it required the exercise of unusual energy on her part to keep one little 
place at the fire for herself and children. She must have shared our joy, 
but for another reason, when we were ordered to take up our abode in 
town. While we remained in her vicinity, all she could do was to fortify 
herself with snuff", of which she is a veteran " dipper." Our presence 
must have caused a large consumption of this consoling article. She 
transferred the snuff" from a tin box to her mouth with a sweet gum 
wood stick, which she used like a tooth brush, and then left the handle 
sticking out of her mouth. Aunt Fanny afforded me the first opportu- 
nity! ever had of witnessing the operation of " dipping," and I am thus 
particular in my reference to this classic custom, which is said to pre- 
vail among the white women as well as the black ones at the South. 
Aunt Fanny's sombre face and the protruding handle of the gum stick 
would form a fit subject for the pencil of Porte Crayon. While I wit- 
nessed, with a twinge of sympathy. Aunt Fanny's patient sufferance of 
the invasion of her castle, I could not but wish that some good fairy 
would suddenly endow her with the momentum and muscular power of 
the shoulder-hitting Charity, empress of the Newbern washerwomen, 
who submits to no nonsense, but lays about her, right and left, accord- 
ing to the number of those who provoke her just wrath" by unseemly 
liberties. 

March 21. 

Last night the Thespians of the 27th Regiment performed "-The 
Irish Tutor " and " Michael Earle." They have fitted up a little theatre, 



88 LETTERS FROM THE 

and furnished it with an act drop, scenery, &c., of their own painting. 
Our own dramatic corps are quite unhappy to find Washington without 
a suitable opera house. It is proposed when we get hack to Xewbern 
to produce Dr. Jones's " Solon Shingle," if the public demand for 
more opera is not too clamorous. The musical world will be glad to 
know that the organs of our principal singers are as yet unafi'ected by 
the severe trials of picket duty ; a fact the more noticeable, perhaps, 
considering that those organs have not been lubricated with whisky 
rations from first to last of our severe trials as soldiers. It won't do 
for soldiers to murmur in public, but you can fancy our feelings ! It 
is assumed by our naval men here that the rebels have two gunboats up 
the Tar River. This is probably correct. The building of a gunboat 
at Tarboro' was among the supposed reasons for our attempted expedi- 
tion to that place last November. Very little fear of them, however, 
exists. It is imagined by some that tlie rebels will come down upon 
this place in scows. That route would please us. We find the col- 
ored population here quite fearful of an attack, and many of them with 
their effects packed up preparatory to a hurried removal to boats. 
Among these is Henrietta, a very nice young woman, the slave of a 
Unionist, who cooks excellent dinners for a few of us hungry fellows, 
in a snug, white-washed cabin at the east end of the town. Henrietta 
is as neat, intelligent and lady-like as the average of white women. 
Her bondage, if such it can be called, sits lightly upon her ; but she 
has no sympathy for rebels, and like many others here, severely 
denounces the suttlers who, for the sake of making money, furnish the 
secessionists of this region with food and clothing. Henrietta rejoices 
in the possession of an excellent cow, a vara avis in North Carolina. 
The peach trees in her garden have put on their pink dresses, and the 
robins, wooed by their fragrance, are trapped and murdered by Hen- 
rietta for her table. I caught the lady in this slaughtering business, 
and found her a little nervous about the law touching her case. 

A party of us strayed into the old town hall to-day. The ofiicial 
papers and books were strewn all over the building without the slight- 
est appearance of any attempt at preservation or order. While wan- 
dering through the maze, an oflScer attached to the permanent garrison 
of the place appeared before us, and sharply ordered us away from the 
premises. We course obeyed, but thought his exercise of authority 
was in ]ionr keeping witli the utter neglect and destruction wliioh had 
alreadv been allowed to mark the buildina: and its contents. 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 89 

Makch 22, 1863. 

Went to a negro church to-day in an old building not long since used 
as a theatre, the fresco and gilding still remaining about the proscenium. 
The preacher and his chief men and women sat upon the stage, the 
bulk of the audience, including several soldiers, in front. The singing 
was congregational, and line by line, as it was read by the preacher. 
It was horrible. The praying and preaching better appealed to the 
emotions. We certainly were not unmoved by the earnest petition in 
behalf of the " soldiers of the North who had given them their liberty," 
by the prayers for the welfare of our friends at home, and for victory 
over our enemies. The sermon was an invocation for watchfulness, 
with copious illustrations from military experience. It was rich in funny 
logic and quaint grammar. 

After a three days' equinoctial storm, the sun is out cheeringly this 

afternoon. 

March 23, 1863. 

There is a boat in from Newbern this morning, and the indications 
are that our ten days' absence is to be indefinitely extended. All the 
companies but D and H, who are housed near our camp-ground, are 
ordered back to the shelter tents. " Bully for D and H" is the general 
sentiment. 

Horace P. Tuttle, the soldier-astronomer of our regiment, has been 
appointed assistant paymaster in the navy. He has not fully decided 
to accept the unexpected and unsolicited honor, and we hope he may 
remain with his many friends of the 44th through its term of service. 

I think I have not mentioned in this or my previous letter from 
Washington that but eight of our companies are here. Companies B 
and F, Captains Griswold and Storrow, were left behind doing picket 
duty on the railroad a few miles above Newbern. 



Washington, N. C, March 24, 1863. 
We are not much in love with this Washington, N. C. It seems too 
much like " some banquet hall deserted." We suspect it of insalubrity. 
We don't like " the folks." We shall be glad when we strike tents. 
But while we remain here we propose to avail ourselves of all mitigat- 
ing circumstances. Last evening, John Smith, banjoist, came to our 
quarters at the Pamlee mansion. His instrument was made of an old 
sieve and a pine stick, but in volume and sweetness of tone, I don't 
remember to have heard it surpassed. Of course it set all the niggers 



90 LETTERS FROM THE 

to dancing, especiall}- our old friend and favorite, West Williams, who 
earned new laurels in the light fantastic. John Smith, besides being 
a splendid banjoist, has a voice like a robin. 

To-day the lines have been open, and the women of the suburbs 
have been thronging into town to buy a little sugar, coifee, snuff, &c., 
especially snuff. Our friend Grist has at last been permitted to go 
outside the lines. He doesn't attempt to disguise a degree of sym- 
patliy with the Southern cause, but his outward conduct towards us has 
been gentlemanly, 

. Contrabands report a large rebel force (seven thousand) within seven 
miles of Washington, one day last week ; and that they were restrained 
from advancing on the place by hearing that the garrison was rein- 
forced. If this is true, " the object of the expedition is accomplished," 
and we may expect to return to Newbern very soon. One of the oflB- 
eers of the permanent garrison here has taken a Southern woman for a 
wife. They are our next door neighbors. As we see them together, 
planting flowers in the door-yard, we fancy we might become reconciled 
even to Washington, N. C, under such circumstances. There is a 
call now upon the gardening skill of the regiment, and some of the 
boys have voluntarily ornamented the vicinity of their shelter-tents 
with plants in full bloom. 

Washington, N. C, in its palmy days, is described as " a hard old 
place."' It was a slave market of some consequence, and the popula- 
tion consumed a good deal of " ardent spirits," according to the author- 
ity of a venerable " aunty " who lives in a cabin attached to our quar- 
ters. Street duels were a common affair. An election was considered 
tame without two or three attendant rows and stabbings. The poor 
white people left behind here, and even those of respectable appear- 
ance, are unable to read or write. They considered it unlaAvful to send 
their children to school — so says a decent looking woman whose hus- 
band is an unwilling soldier in the rebel army. The more we learn of 
the despicable social condition of the South, the stronger appears the 
need of the purification which, in the Providence of God, comes of the 
fire and the sword. 

March 25. 

While Company K was quartered in town they were directly opposite 
a house inhabited with others by a comely young woman, who so ex- 
cited the admiration of a susceptible young man in the company that 
he was impelled to send her a love missive. It was in good set terms, 
smelling strongly of '* The Ready Letter-Writer,"' but the young lady 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 91 

was so little moved by its elegance, that she returned the note with a 
resentful addendum, threatening to tell the Colonel, and expressing a 
wish to have no communication with her " enemies." 

A gunboat came in from Newbern last night, increasing the fleet to 
four. We have a fine bracing air to-day, and the health of the regi- 
ment is excellent. We are also made happy by a mail from the North 
containing bills of lading, which means boxes for us at Newbern. 

I learn to-day that Plymouth has again been menaced by the rebels, 
but that the prompt arrival of reinforcements saved the place. Gren. 
Foster is never caught napping. An increasing confidence is enter- 
tained for his generalship. 



Washington, N. C, March 30, 1863. 

Yesterday completed the first seven months of our service as volun- 
teer soldiers, dating from the time we went into camp at Readville as 
a full, organized regiment. Whether our term of service commenced 
on the 29th of August or on the 12th of September, when we were 
formally mustered into service, is not yet definitely announced ; but 
we incline to the opinion that w^e shall be held for nine months from 
the latter date. It has been rumored that w^e arc to be detained for 
nine months from the time that we received marching orders, late in 
October, but w^e have little fear of that. It is needless to say that 
almost every man in the regiment is looking fondly forward to his 
emancipation from the restraints, deprivations, and hardships of 
military life to the reunion of hearts and the enjoyment of home 
comforts. 

Yesterday I again attended worship at a colored church, and after- 
ward proceeded with the congregation to a baptism in the river. 
The sacred ordinance was characterized by entire decorum. The 
blacks here, who comprise a great majority of the resident population 
of Washington, are extremely fervent in their prayers for the success 
of the Northern cause, and rightly attribute their enlarged liberty to 
the presence of our soldiers. They are a more intelligent and orderly 
population than can be shown in the foreign precincts of our great 
cities. The only black man here who disturbs the peace is "Crazy 
Willis." He perambulates the streets incessantly, swearing that the 
war must be stopped, and that no more Yankees shall be killed. His 
harangues present a curious blending of profanity and pious exhorta- 
tion. He was formerly a preacher of more tlian usual fluency. He 



92 LETTERS FROM THE 

is a very unpopular member of society, his black brethi-en not giving 
him credit for much insanity. 

Gen. Foster and staff arrived here this morning, and reinforcements 
are said to be close by. Whether this means additional defence or 
another expedition I cannot say at this writing. 

P. M. This forenoon a scouting party, consisting of Companies A 
and G, with a few cavalrymen and one piece of artillery, crossed the 
bridge and proceeded up the road about two miles, when they were 
suddenly arrested by rebels in ambush. Company G were acting as 
skirmishers, and advanced to within a few feet of the rebels' hiding 
place before receiving their fire. The result was disastrous. Three of 
Co. G's men were brought down and left upon the ground at the 
narrow defile where the rebels were posted. Capt. James Richardson, 
of Co. A, received two bullets in the left arm. Xo bones were broken. 
Upon receiving the fire, our men were ordered to seek cover on either 
side of the road, which they did until they deemed it safe to rally 
and return to town. 

Those left dead or wounded are Orderly Sergt. Hobart, Corporal 
Lawrence and John Leonard, all of Co. G. Corporal King of the 
same company was slightly wounded by a buck-shot in the back of 
the head. Lieut. Odiorne's clothes were riddled with bullets and 
buck-shot, as were those of Corporal Priest. One of the latter's 
hands was grazed by a projectile. Others had equally narrow 
escapes. 

M.VKCH 31. 

We spent last night behind the breastworks, sleeping in our 
blankets and watching by turns It rained almost incessantly, and 
we were drenched to the skin. Toward morning we were allowed to 
spend an hour in one of the block-houses with the boys of Co. B, 
Mass. 27th; but we passed most of this forenoon in the mud behind 
the breastworks, with no other consolation than coffee and hard tuck. 
The gunboats and fort were firing into the woods all night, to prevent 
the erection of batteries. At daylight our attention was arrested by 
sharp musketry firing over the river. We afterwards learned that a 
battalion of North Carolina troops, under Capt. Lyon, had been sent 
over to prevent the erection of rebel batteries at Point Rodman, a 
short distance below, and that they succeeded in their purpose by 
smart skirmishing, in which several of their men were wounded. 

Ariiii. 1. 

The rebels lay low yesterday, and the night was peaceful; but 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 93 

before morning the}' succeeded in planting one or more formidable 
^batteries commanding the river below, and this morning they opened 
on the town and our gunboats. To make matters worse, a strong 
west wind was driving the water out of the river, leaving our gun- 
boats aground. This left the Hull badly exposed to the guns of the 
first rebel fort, and they played into her in a lively manner, dismount- 
ing two of her guns and wounding two or three of her men. The 
guns of the Hull, however, were not idle, but blazed away until her 
ammunition was exhausted. The Louisiana and Eagle were also 
busy during the day, but to-night no guns are heard on either side. 
Numerous rebel projectiles of the Whitworth pattern came into the 
town, but did no damage to speak of. The wind has abated, the 
water has risen on the river, and the gunboats are afloat again. 
Dispatch boats succeeded in running the blockade yesterday and 
to-day. 

April 2. 

Last night was quiet, but we busied ourselves in strengthening our 
defences. There are well-founded rumors of gunboats and reinforce- 
ments below the rebel forts, and distant firing is heard from down the 
river, suggesting the probability of other rebel forts farther down. 
A rebel flag is descried down the river, but otherwise there is very 
little to be seen or heard of the enemy. The videttes think the rebels 
are skedaddling, and the boys are in high spirits. 

Yesterday our pickets over the bridge learned from the enemy's 
pickets that the wounded men of Co. G, who were left in the hands 
of the enemy on the 31st. are doing well. None were killed. Orderly 
Hobart, who was the most seriously hurt, was shot through one of the 
lungs. 

In consequence of the weakness of our garrison. General Foster has 
organized a battalion of blacks to assist us behind the earthworks. We 
have no such enthusiastic soldiers in the department as they. They 
begged the privilege of having guns placed in their hands, and almost 
quarrelled for the preference. They swear they will sell their lives as 
dearly as possible. We are indebted, by the way, to a colored servant 
of Captain Kendall, who went beyond the lines the other day, for in- 
formation of great value. 

Yesterday a boat containing half a dozen persons was seen to cross 
the river a few hundred yards west of the extreme left of our line of 
earthworks, and land upon a point running from this shore. A six- 
pounder in the block-house was trained upon them, and sent them scat- 



94 LETTERS FROM THE 

tering in double quick time. Some of us have a troublesome suspicion 
that the boat's crow were deserters or contrabands. If they were rebels, 
their audacity is unexplainable. 

To-day one of our videttes reports seeing a man suspended by the 
neck to an apple-tree beyond our lines. He made a careful examina- 
tion with a glass, and saw a rebel officer and several privates engaged 
in lowering and dragging away the body, which was probably that of a 
man suspected of disloyalty to the rebel cause. Such is rebel justice. 

April 3. 

Another quiet night last night, although in the evening the principal 
rebel fort down the river fired several shots at what we surmised was 
a transport or gunboat coming up. Our conjecture was probably cor- 
rect, as to-day we learn that fresh supplies of ammunition had been 
received. We are told that three regiments and two gunboats, from 
Newbern, are a few miles down the river, also more rebel batteries, and 
one of them so buried in the ground as to be unassailable by anything 
save mortars. Yesterday the block-house on our extreme right was 
a particular mark for rebel cannon. Very little damage was done, but 
a large gun taken from a gunboat and placed at the block-house was 
believed to be doing a good business. Some of the large rebel guns 
near the shore have been withdrawn, and one knocked out of position. 
Our gunboats have been firing at frequent intervals, all day to-day, 
although the rebels opened the ball in the morning. 

P. M. We hear that fire gunboats are down the river, and that 
while they were engaging the rebel batteries, a dispatch schooner sailed 
up past them. A contraband who escaped from the rebels to-day, re- 
ports that we have killed " a right smart of 'em."' This is very likely. 
A more uncertain report is that of a rebel flag of truce asking for time 
to bury tlieir ilead. 

A vidette stationed near our block-house ventured a little too far out 
to-day, and exchanged shots with some rebels near a point of woods. 
He saw a lot of horses, nmles and wagons under cover of the woods. 

We are beginning to ask, " How much longer is this thing to go on r" 
What is the purpose of the rebels r To keep away reinforcements and 
provisions until they force us into a bloodless capitulation, or until they 
poncentrate troops enough to carry our breastworks by storm ? Or do 
they hope to draw troops enough from Newbern to leave that platfe 
/sxposed to capture ? Or do they merely propose keeping us busy, to 
prevent us from sending any more troops from North Carolina for the 
reinforcement of the army in the Department of the South. Time 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 95 

only will show. We have no great apprehensions concerning the re- 
sult. Our confidence in General Foster is firm and unabated. His 
timely presence here we regard as little less than providential. 

We are still stationed close to the entrenchments which encircle the 
town, in shelter tents and block-houses. Company D is fortunately 
quartered with Company B, of the Massachusetts 27th, in block-house No. 
1 and its out-buildings. We are under great obligation to them for 
their obliging hospitality. Their long experience has qualified them to 
give us many useful lessons in camp life. We watch their culinary 
operations with great interest, and are not a little tantalized by the 
sight of warm bread, flap-jacks, fried fish, &c., especially as we are 
now chiefly confined to hard-tack and miserable cofi"ee. 

Our black recruits are industriously drilling in marching and the 
manual. The favorite servants of our cranpany, whom some of my 
readers will remember by the names of America and West, are exhib- 
iting their talents as drill officers, to excellent efi'ect. Our colored re- 
cruits are already winning golden opinions for their soldierly qualities. 
Our most bitter negropholists admit that they will yz(//if, and one of their 
sincere haters has been detailed to ofiicer them. Some of the poor 
fellows lie behind the breastworks with a spelling book in one hand and 
a musket in the other. 

April 4. 

Last night was tolerably quiet, although the gunboats occasionally 
woke the echoes. This morning a gunboat passed the rebel batteries, 
and came to anchor opposite the town. She was not fired at, but eight 
rebel guns were seen in position. There is a growing suspicion that 
the rebels have abandoned the siege. 

9 P. M. 

" A growing suspicion " has not been sustained. A reconnoisance 
was attempted to-day with a view of sounding the rebels in the vicinity 
of the battery on the point, but our boats were fired upon, and another 
artillery duel occupied the afternoon. We were again ordered behind 
the breastworks, but to-night are permitted to share the comfortable 
quarters of Company B, 27th. When we get home we propose to 
print in the Herald a card of thanks to Company B, after the style of 
the boys of Extinguisher 20, to the boys of Cataract 11 — "We owe 
you one." 

April 5. 

The quiet of last night and this forenoon has been unbroken by the 
sound of guns ; but this afternoon the Sunday stillness is interrupted by 



96 LETTERS FROM THE 

the solemn boom of heavy artillery down the river. Whether it pro- 
ceeds from the rebel forts or our gunboats we do not know. Yesterday 
it was rumored that the spades were collected and sent down the river 
to be used in intrenching our reinforcements held back by the blockade. 
Certain it is, we could get no spades for our own use last night. It 
was rumored yesterday that the rebels were feeling about Newbern. 

April 6. 

The rebels have been throwing up additional earthworks down the 
river, and seem to have entered upon the siege in earnest. The smoke 
of their bivouac fires increases from night to night, and it is highly 
probable that they are receiv'ing reinforcements of infantry. 

April 8. 

An attack was strongly expected night before last, and a heavy pick- 
et force was stationed all along our line of defence. In the edge of the 
evening a boat with two black fugitives came down the river. They 
had escaped from the rebels, but brought us very little useful intelli- 
gence regarding their numbers or position. Yesterday a black boy 
came in from the enemy's lines with large stories about their force, size 
of their guns, &c. The rebel general had made his men a speech, and 
they were to attack us yesterday morning. General Foster thinks the 
boy was sent in, and so has quartered him in the guard house. At all 
events, the rebels did not appear this morning. In fact they seem in- 
clined to give us plenty of time, which, of course, we are improving to 
the best of our ability, by the erection of traverses, additional breast- 
works and forts. We have also placed upon the top of our earthworks 
three or four thicknesses of turf. The block -house where our company 
is stationed is on the extreme left of our line of defence, and is conse- 
quently most exposed to an attack from up the river, which is among 
the strong probabilities of this siege. Flat boats and steamers provided 
with guns and armor of cotton bales are reported above, and are ex- 
pected to join in the attack when the land forces get ready, provided 
they escape certain formidable river obstructions intended for their 
benefit. 

We are strongly posted, but are few in numbers. Our entire garri- 
son, armed contrabands included, scarcely amounts to two thousand 
men. The gunboats have failed in silencing the rebel shore batteries, 
and we know not but the river is substantially blockaded. Of course 
we shall soon be short of provisions. Our chief ground of hope for re- 
lease, in case the rebel attack is longer deferred, is in the arrival of 
forces from Newbern, or from Suff"olk overland. General Foster was 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 97 

looking for aid from General Dix yesterday. Of course the aid did 
not arrive, — it never does. 

We had a strong picket out again last night, but everything was 
remarkably quiet. Our incorrigible Jo says the pickets of the two 
forces were so near together that they distinctly heard each other eat- 
ing hard tack ! To-day the rebel pickets on the north side are reported 
to have disappeared, but this morning the rebels on the south side of 
the river are sending their Whitworth "cucumbers" into town in a 
very lively manner. 

A rebel deserter who came in a day or two ago reports that he was 
one of the squad that was unfortunately fired upon by one of our how- 
itzers a few days ago, under the supposition that they were rebels. 
He also reports that the man whom one of our videttes saw suspended 
to an apple-tree was one of his companions who had been captured by 
a rebel cavalryman and summarily executed. 

April 9. 

The rebel batteries kept pretty busy yesterday, but attracted little 
notice from the gunboats. Four new rebel batteries were discovered 
on this side the river, about twelve hundred yards east of our most 
eastern blockhouse. They are intended to command our fort. Two 
of them are thought to contain one small gun each, the third, a twelve- 
pounder, and the fourth a siege gun. The enemy have one thirty-two- 
pounder on the other side of the river, but we doubtless outnumber 
them in heavy artillery. They wiU find Fort Washington a hard nut, 
and there are hea\ner pieces on board the gunboats than have yet dis- 
turbed the echoes hereabout. All Commodore Renshaw asks is a land 
force to capture the rebel guns after he has dismounted them. Such a 
force we hope is not far distant. The music of their artillery is re- 
ported to have been heard yesterday and last night. 

Yesterday we witnessed the afi"ecting scene of a soldier's funeral at 
our blockhouse. The deceased was Isaac Powers, of Co. B, Mass. 
27th, who met his death by falling down a flight of stairs in the block- 
house. At the close of the services, the deep boom of the rebel siege 
gun came across the water with thrilling effect. The peculiarity and 
danger of our situation were earnestly alluded to by Chaplain Wood- 
worth, as an incentive to preparation for the great change which in the 
fortunes of war so soon might visit a large number of us. 

This morning (and this is to be the rule during the present condition 
of affairs) we were called out for roU-call between three and four o'clock, 
and then stationed behind the breastworks until sunrise. We are living 



98 LETTERS FROM THE 

upon three-quarters rations, but thus far have kept hunger well at bay. 
Gen. Foster has taken possession of all provisions for sale in Washing- 
ton, and says we can subsist on them thirty or forty days. We have 
despatched a few cattle, but the meat is poor stuff — lean and garlicy — 
barely fit to eat. 

April 10. 

Our prospects are brightening. Last night two schooners from New- 
bern, loaded with ammunition and forage, passed the blockade, and 
arrived here safely. Those in charge of the vessels inform us that a 
large force of infantry is on the way by land from Newbern. 

Contrabands who came in yesterday, report the rebels confident of 
having us in their power, and as saying that they can keep back any 
reinforcements which may be sent to us. 

The 44th Regiment has met with an irreparable loss in the death of 
its excellent surgeon. Dr. Ware, who expired this morning, after a 
painful sickness of several days. His disease is supposed to have been 
the malarious fever peculiar to this locality, but it is suggested that 
death was hastened by the heavy artillery firing this morning incident 
to the opening of new rebel batteries on a hill east of the town. One 
week ago no event could have been more unexpected by us. With a 
frame compact, sinewy and nervous. Dr. Ware was the apparent em- 
bodiment of physical health. His, surely, we thought, was a constitu- 
tion firm and elastic enough to withstand not only the effects of the 
climate but of professional labors made doubly severe by an assiduity 
and tenderness which had won the affection and the reverence of the 
whole regiment. But death, mindless of all human calculations, has 
ended the life and usefulness of Dr. Ware at a time which adds peculiar 
providential mystery to the event, inasmuch as the necessity of his skillful 
ministrations was perhaps never more imminent than at the moment of his 
death. This, however, is not the chief reason why we lament his death. 
We mourn the loss of the true, inestimable man, more than that of the 
able, experienced surgeon. Dr. Ware was the son of the venerable Dr. 
Robert Ware, of Boston. 

April 11. 

For the last two mornings the rebel batteries to the east have per- 
formed lively reveilles. Fort Washington, in the centre of our out- 
ward lino of entrenchments, was the object of their attention ; but sev- 
eral shells have reached our extreme left, a piece of one striking close 
to the shanties of Company D's boys, bounding thence into the river. 
The fort replies to these sallies with excellent effect, and always has the 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, 99 

last word, the rebels withdrawing. Thus far the number of our wounded 
is extremely small, and the gratifying fact is doubtless in a measure due 
to the traverses which intersect the outer breastwork, thereby prevent- 
ing the unpleasant effects of a raking fire parallel with the entrench- 
ments. Yesterday some of Company A's shelter tents were riddled 
while the boys were safe behind their traverse. Besides this defence, 
we are still more secm-ely guarded against the rebel artillery from the 
east by bomb-proofs on the western side of the traverses. We found 
it practicable to avail ourselves of their protection this morning, but we 
enlivened the chilly gloom of the retreat by singing various choice arias . 
from II Recruitio. 

Between the building and turfing of eai-thworks, bomb-proofs, stand- 
ing guard and doing nightly picket duty, we are kept pretty hard at 
work, and are beginning to feel the combined effects of hard knocks 
and poor rations. We have considerable use for lumber, and Grist's 
cotton mill and other out-buildings are levied upon accordingly. Hav- 
ing secured the boards and joists, we transport them to the fortifica- 
tions upon the wheels of Grrist's old family carriage. Since this man 
left town, renewed suspicions of thorough treachery have taken posses- 
sion of the soldiers, and the Grrist mansion itself would hardly be safe 
if the red hospital flag did not wave over it. 

This morning the music of a rebel band floated to our ears from over 
the river. This afternoon we have had the thorough bass of their big 
guns on the same side, sending bomb-shells into town. And no rein- 
forcements yet! We are very anxious to see them, but not greatly sur- 
prised at their non-arrival, considering the lions they will find in their 
way, in the shape of unbridged streams, fallen trees, and rebel forts 
and rifle-pits. 

Attached to some of the oblong shells which were sent into town this 
morning, were some of the Shenckl percussion fuses, bearing the mark 
of George H. Fox & Co., of Boston, manufacturers. Perhaps the gen- 
tlemen of this firm will be interested in the fact. Boston boys think it 
a little funny to meet such specimens of home manufacture in North 
Carolina. 

A night or two ago our pickets on the Jamesville road got beyond 
the outposts of the enemy, and had an unexpected rencounter with the 
rebel pickets. The interview was quite cordial, but our boys were 
assured that the rebs had Washington in a vice. Many inside are of 
the same opinion, but of course this depends upon the success we may 
have in getting reinforcements through. 



100 LETTERS FROM THE 

ArRiL 13. 

Night before last it was reported that the rebels were crossing the 
river above and below us, on flat-boats, with a view of strengthening 
themselves on the south side, to meet our reinforcements fromNewbern. 
We also have rumors of fights on the Newbern road. 

April 14. 

Last night steamers from below with reinforcements of men and pro- 
visions ran by the rebel batteries under a hot fire, and arrived safely at 
Washington. Our garrison is now strong, and our friends need have 
no fears concerning us. We are in the receipt of letters and papers to 
the 3d inst. 

It is said that the long delay in sending us reinforcements was caused 
by their repulse by the rebels on the Newbern road. But of this mat- 
ter I can only give you rumors. You can imagine that the loyal part 
of Little Washington is jubilant to-day. 



Washington, N. C, April 16, 1863. 

My diary of the siege of Washington, forwarded to you by a steamer 
which left on the 14th, closed on the 13th, when I announced the grat- 
ifying intelligence of the arrival of reinforcements. Yesterday morning 
General Foster departed for Newbern, leaving behind the following 
general order : 

Hkai>qu.\rters 18th Army Corps, > 

Washington, N. C, April 14th, 18G3. ) 

The rommanding General announces to the garrison of this town that he is 
about to leave for a brief space of time the gallant soldiers and sailors of this 
garrison. Brigadier General Potter will remain in command, and in him the 
Commanding General has the most perfect confidence as a brave and able sol- 
dier. The command of the naval forces remains unchanged ; therefore that arm 
of the service will be as eifective and perfect as heretofore. The Commanding 
General leaves temporarily, and for the purpose of putting himself at the head 
of a relieving force. Having raised the siege, he expects soon to return ; but 
betore leaving he must express to the naval force here, and to the soldiers under 
his command, the 27th and 44th Massachusetts Regiments, detachments of the 
3d New York Cavalry and 1st North Carolina Volunteers, his thanks for and 
admiration of the untiring zeal, noble emulation and excellent courage which 
have distinguished them during the sixteen days of the enemy's attack on this 
post ; and he feels confident that the display of those qualities under General 
Potter will hold the place till the siege be raised. 

J. G. FOSTER, 
Gen. Commanding 18th Army Corps. 

Regimental glorification is so prevalent a weakness on the part of 
newspaper correspondents in the armj', that I am almost ashamed to 
state a fact which I know will be pleasing to our friends at home. I 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 101 

allude to a marked unofficial comjjliment from Greueral Foster, who ob- 
served to Colonel Lee that the 44th regiment has performed more ser- 
vice than any other nine months' regiment in his department, and 
probably more than any other nine months' regiment in the field ; that 
the conduct of the regiment had been in every respect spirited, honor- 
able and gratifying to him. I offer this as a most thorough refutation 
of the villainous libels which the low enmity of a few men in the other 
Massachusetts regiments have dictated and set afloat. 

The air is full of rumors discreditable to the generalship and bravery 
of General Spinolu, who was last week sent from Newbern to relieve 
this garrison, in which attempt, it is reported, he miserably failed, and 
then fell back without a sufficient cause. If he has not done his duty, 
General Foster will be the last man to excuse the omission. He has 
chafed like a caged lion during the siege, and is said to have gone away 
mad as a March hare. The rebels did not omit the customary salute 
when his steamer passed down the river, and it is thought one or more 
cannon balls went through the upper works of the vessel. At the same 
time the rebel batteries to the east of the town played upon us in a 
lively manner, and sent us into our bomb-proofs upon the double-quick. 
The rebels amused themselves in the same manner on the previous 
morning, about the time the band was giving expression to our joy at 
receiving reinforcements, and in fact this has been the order of the day 
for a long time. But it has been no boys' play. Shot and shell have 
rained all along our line. Several of our shelter tents have been cut to 
pieces by them. I could recount scores of " miraculous escapes." Our 
bomb-proofs have probably been the means of saving many lives. It 
certainly seems scarcely short of Providential interposition that a bom- 
bardment extending over sixteen days has not resulted in the loss of a 
single life or limb on our side. 

This morning five deserters have come in and report the rebels falling 
back on Greenville. The indications confirm the report. 

Cavalry and infantry scouts find their breastworks this side of the river 
abandoned, and the rebs have not fired a gun to-day on either side. 
A thunder tempest raged last night, and it is highly probable that they 
skedaddled under the protection which the noise of the elements afford- 
ed them. Finding the blockade ineffective, they despaired of starving 
us out, and so have retired with great loss — of ammunition. In this re- 
spect it has been a very expensive siege to them ; and it is believed 
that their loss in lives has not been inconsiderable. They have found 
Little Washington, under the engineering of General Foster, a hard nut 
to crack, and will scarce try the experiment again. 



102 LETTERS FROM THE 

P. M. Oiu' gunboats liammerod away at the positions lately held by 
the rebels on the south side of the river, until being satisfied that they 
were no longer there, boats were sent to reconnoitre about Rodman's 
Point. It happened that a few of the enemy, probably their rear guard, 
were still on the ground. They rose and fired on our boats with fatal 
effect. An engineer of the gunboat Ceres was killed. Frank Tripp, 
of Company E, 43d regiment, in another boat, was very severely wound- 
ed. The boats then withdrew. 

This morning our scouts visited the scene of the principal rebel 
bivouac this side the river, and came to the conclusion that about two 
thousand men had encamped there. 

Towards night the gunboats Hunchback, Southfield and two or three 
others, which during the siege had been hanging ten miles below, came 
up in range of Kodman's Point, and commenced shelling the woods 
wuth great vigor. The same amount of firing in the same places yes- 
terday or day before would have placed the rebels in great danger of 
their limbs and lives ; but before opening his fire the magnanimous 
commander of the down river fleet waited until our erring brethren had 
got beyond the reach of the Hunchback's hundred pounders, and then 
blazed away, to the mingled admiration and terror of the contraband 
population of Washington and vicinity. I am informed that the timely 
arrival of the Rhode Island .5th, which gallantly ran the blockade on the 
night of the 13th, was solely due to the energetic determination of Col- 
onel Sisson, in opposition to the naval authorities down the river. In 
other respects a night-mare retardation has seemed to characterize all 
attempts to relieve this garrison. 



Hill's Poixt, 8 Miles below Washington, N. C, \ 
South Side of Sound, April 17, 1863. ) 
Companies C, D, and I were ordered on board the gunboat Eagle 
last evening, where we slept. This morning we landed in small boats 
at this place. It was the strongest point of the rebel blockade. Be- 
hind the earthworks, which were mostly erected at an early day in the 
rebellion, are a plenty of bomb-proofs. The natural defences of the 
place are remarkable for this flat vicinity. Behind the earthworks is a 
pleasant piece of table-land, which we now occupy. Between the shore 
and the woods is a rebel rifle-pit. This forenoon we skirmished out a 
a mile or so, encountering an old rebel camp and the one the rebels 
have recently occupied. We picked up one butternut gentleman with 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 103 

a carpet bag containing a rebel uniform, and the picture of a rebel offi- 
cer. Butternut said lie picked up the carpet bag in the woods as he was 
going home from mill. He said the rebs were robbing the population 
of their provisions and had nearly cleaned him out. There was a 
" right smart" of rebs here, but they left in a hurry night before last. 
Three companies of the 43d, C, D and H, landed here from schooners 
about noon. They had been lying below the blockade for a week or 
so, with the other companies of their regiment, who had been suddenly 
called back to Newbern. The 43d formed part of Spinola's late expe- 
dition, and the boys of that regiment are emphatic in their denunciation 
of the conduct of the General in retreating without, as they say, suffi- 
cient cause. Their march back, after getting within ten miles of New- 
bern, was of the most forced and exhausting description. The affair 
will probably be investigated by a court martial. 

The excellent sketch of our situation and defences at Washington, 
which accompanies this letter, was drawn by George W. Hight, of 
Company D. I have no doubt you will take pleasure in showing it to 
any friend of the 44th regiment who may call for that purpose. 

April 18, 1863. 

The detachment of the 44th Regiment stationed at this point are 
(|uite delighted with their situation. We have seen nothing so pleasant 
in North Carolina. The Tar river here widens into Pamlico Sound, 
and from our position on this bluif or table land, it spreads out before 
us like a beautiful lake in the woods. This morning, one of the love- 
liest of Spring, the air is fragrant with pines and flowers, and melo- 
dious with the songs of birds. The field is dotted with fruit trees in 
bloom. Yesterday we found the woods spangled with jasmine, violets, 
box and dog-wood, and our skirmishers with their hands full of flowers 
looked more like a Maying party than soldiers expecting a foe in every 
bush. A rebel soldier lies buried beneath a branching cedar close to 
our bivouac, the living and the dead sleeping together. Upon the 
headboard of the latter we read "Henry Davenport, 52d North Caro- 
lina Regiment." His resting place was selected with true refinement 
of taste. 

ApraL 20. 

From our picket post yesterday we caught the sound of wild cheer- 
ing, which we soon learned was given to the advance of our army from 
Newbern, headed by General Foster. To-day we learn that three of 
our brigades are in Washington, another in the vicinity of Kinston, 
and another between here and Newbern. Feint movements are per- 



104 LETTERS FROM THE 

haps involved in this disposition of troops, but we have no idea of what 
General Foster is about. He is reinforced by the return of part of his 
troops from the Department of the South, including the Massachusetts 
23d and the New Jersey 9th. The Massachusetts 24th and the Con- 
necticut 10th are still with General Hunter. 

We are in receipt to-day of letters from the North, containing news- 
paper slips devoted to late affairs in this vicinity. The letter of a cor- 
respondent at Newbern, wliich the Boston Journal accepts as " the 
clearest account of affairs at Washington and Newbern," is a complete 
tissue of errors, of a character so serious that the regiment has been 
excited to indignation by their unfortunate publicity. 

The statement that Companies A and D went outside the earth woi'ks 
and had their retreat cut off, contains two errors. Company D did not 
go out at all until after the blockade was raised, and the retreat of Com- 
pany A was not cut off. The " cutting their way through with the loss 
of sixteen" is also a pure fiction, as is the announcement of the death 
of Orderly Sergeant Edmauds. Our total loss in the affair alluded to 
was three wounded, who were taken prisoners. Orderly Sergeant Ed- 
mands was not one of these, but the careless statement of his death has 
doubtless plunged a circle of friends into mourning as sorrowful and 
deep, for a time, as the event itself could produce. Tben who shall 
undertake to estimate the anxiety and torture of suspense in the minds 
of the friends of Companies A and D before they shall find out the 
falsity of the story of " sixteen killed :"' Our laws are defective in 
their want of penalties for such outrageous sins against the tenderest 
and sacredest feelings of nature as those perpetrated bv a class of irre- 
sponsible con-espondents, who seize upon and circulate rumors for facts, 
and who nmtilate the king's English and human feelings with about 
equal facility and sany froid. 

Ix Tow OF Stk.vmkk Thomas Collyer, ( 
Wednesday, April 23, 1863. j 
Having contributed to the salvation of Little Washington, we are 
now on our way back to the "home camp " at Newbern, leaving Hill's 
Point garrisoned by a portion of the 43d, aud Washington by several 
New York and Pennsylvania regiments, together with the Massachu- 
setts 27th aud part of the 43d. Accompanying us on our way back to 
Newbern are five companies of the Rliode Island oth, and two compa- 
nies of the Massachusetts 46th. We have been absent from Newbern 
over five weeks, aud now the near prospect of getting into our barracks 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, 105 

again has elated every heart. Lots of boxes for us have accumulated 
in our absence, and our anxiety to be at them is quite intense. We 
have, to tell the truth, a harrowing suspicion that the invalid guard, ac- 
tuated by an unselfish purpose to keep them from spoiling, will save us 
the trouble not only of opening the boxes but of eating the contents. 
Heaven forbid, however ! In our present half-famished condition this 
is no triflino; thought. 



Newbern, April 24. 

Here we are at old Newbern again, but not at "home," as we fondly 
call our old barracks while absent on expeditions. We found the New 
Jersey 9th in our old quarters, so we betook ourselves to the barracks 
of our old and beloved neighbors, the Conn. 10th. But we are to stay 
here only a short time. Saturday we are going down into the city to 
do provost-guard duty, and shall probably continue in that capacity the 
remainder of our term of service. We shall there be quartered in 
houses, and, except in extreme cases, be excused from participating in 
expeditions. This will please those of our timorous friends who, when 
we left home, gravely and affectionately admonished us not to get shot. 
There is now, dear friends, a right smart chance for us to escape rebel 
bullets, "except," as Sparrowgrass once remarked, "in case of inva- 
sion." 

April 25. 

To-day we were formally installed as provost-guard of Newbern, 
thereby relieving the 45th regiment, which has for a considerable time 
been acting in the same capacity. The 45th received us with aU the 
honors, and we stood at present arms as they marched past us in going 
out of the city. Each regiment bore its regimental colors and was 
headed by its band. 

Our company (D) are put in possession of a commodious wooden 
mansion and its out-buildings on Pollock street, lately occupied by Co. 
A, of the 45th. We found the rooms in neat condition, and decorated 
with wreaths and bouquets of flowers, accompanied by the pleasant 
salutatory words, " Welcome 44," several times inscribed on the 
walls. The " Jolly Five " have the thanks of " Corporal," and his 
mess for their part in a greeting so graceful on one side and so grate- 
ful to the other. 

The 54th regiment has made another draft upon the 44th for officers, 
Charles E. Tucker, Co. E, Willard Howard and Henry W. Littlefield, 



106 LETTERS FROM THE 

of Co. D, having just received their commissions as lieutenants in the 
former. They will leave for Boston to-morrow. 

I learn that the officers of our regiment have decided to present to 
the Fifth Regiment of Rhode Island a stand of colors as a slight 
acknowledgment of the gallantry of that regiment in running the rebel 
blockade and coming to our relief at Washington. The Mass. 27th, 
with whom we were blockaded, is now in Newbern. 

April 26. 

To-day the regiment have attended the obsequies of our late lamented 
and beloved Surgeon, Dr. Ware, to whose unexpected death we are 
none of us quite reconciled. His remains willbe carried to Boston by 
the steamer Ellen S. Terry, which leaves Newbern to-day. 

This letter is carried to Boston by H. P. Tuttle, late of the Cam- 
bridge Observatory, who has just been discharged from the 44th regi- 
ment on account of having received a commission as Assistant Pay- 
master in the Navy. 



Newbern, N. C, May 12, 1863. 

Our life as provost guard at Newbern is too uneventful to call for 
much letter writing. We have been joined by companies B and F, 
who have been a long while on picket, and we are now a regiment of 
policemen. The rank and file are on guard almost every other day, 
and the duty is found at once severe, irksome, and often abhorrent. 
I am rather glad that our present reputation as policemen is not to be 
the measure of our characters as soldiers. I am loath to confess that we 
were getting to be beloved by the tough ones of the old regiments, 
who, since pay-day, which occurred recently, found three dollars a 
bottle for whisky no bar to indulgence in that popular stimulant, and 
who have an acquired loathing of the guard-house. However, we are 
hecoining very exemplary policemen, if I may judge from the curses 
(both loud and deep) which are showered upon the devoted heads of 
the 44th regiment, and nine months' men generally. 

Newbern is looking very attractive, The gardens are still rich witli 
roses of every hue. I wish the paper May-flower girls of Boston 
could be turned amongst them for a day. 

We have small time or opportunity for amusement, although I have 
no doubt that the shoulder straps find provost-guard life extremely 
bully, setting aside some of the severe duties which belong to them as 
moral conservators. They are treated to concerts, attend private 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 107 

music parties, and regale themselves with ice water, — very good in this 
latitude at this season. The privates are solicited to produce another 
opera ; and an entertainment of that character, founded upon the siege 
of Washington, together with a regimental concert, a dramatic per- 
formance, and a bal masque, is upon the tapis. 

Weddings, white and colored, are just now the subject of gossip. 
One of our own corporals has been and gone and done it, and one of 
the pretty natives of Newbern is now Mrs. Lawrence. Last night 
some of our boys assisted at a darkey wedding, putting the happy pair 
to bed in true traditional style. 

Our nights are rendered musical by the plaintive choral hymnings 
of devotional negroes in every direction, alone and in groups. From 
their open cabins come the mingled voices of men wrestling painfully 
and agonizingly with the spirit, and those uttering the ecstatic notes 
of the redeemed. 



Newbern, N. C, May 16, 1863. 
We are in a state of stagnation, We have not been so unhappy 
since the date of our enlistment as we have since we entered upon the 
police business at Newbern. We have almost forgotten the toil and 
misery of long marches and sieges, and revert with something like 
regret to the days of active campaigning. I have no doubt that many 
of us will voluntarily return to the army should the state of the country 
call for more service at our hands. We rejoice that we have had a 
hand in this glorious contest for the integrity of our country. No 
sacrifice or hardship we have endured balances the gratification of 
having done our country some service, however small or humble that 
service may have been. If we had but one word of advice to give the 
young men of our acquaintance, it would be to enlist voluntarily 
while a chance remains to identify yourselves in a glorious warfare 
which is evidently drawing to such a termination as every patriot must 
pray and fight for. Do not stand back because you think the danger 
is past. We may safely calculate that much work remains to be done. 
The serpent of secession is only scotched, not killed. The clouds 
may yet again lower over us, and every strong arm may be needed to 
sweep them away. 

How well the magnificent strategy and the more magnificent fighting 
of our New England General comports with his clear, ringing testimony 
before the Committee on the Conduct of the War ! 



108 LETTERS FROM THE 

How stands McClellan presidential stock at the North? Who will 
heal up the wounds of the copperheads r Nothing will keep them 
from despair but the injudicious arrest and imprisonment of blatant 
politicians who hunger and thirst after martyrdom, and who do not 
know that their advocacy of a cause is its most effective condemnation. 

May 18. 

A "trance medium" by the name of James Richardson, of Athol, 
in Co. B, 27th regiment, assures the members of his regiment that 
they will be discharged from the service in less than a year from this 
time, and that the war will be brought to a close before that time. 
His associates, although professing to have no faith in asserted revela- 
tions of this kind, are forced to confess that Richardson has proved to 
be a true prophet in several important instances. He foretold the 
battles of Roanoke and Newbern, and with so many of their particu- 
lars as to prove his possession of a power altogether unexplainable. 
He foretold the siege of Washington by stating that the 27th regiment 
would take part in a long but not very bloody battle, and that a 
certain man would be killed. Following this came the seventeen days' 
siege, and the death of the man alluded to. After this battle he said 
the regiment would soon remove to another place in transports. That 
has also happened. From that place, in two or four months, they 
were to embark in transports for the North. 

Orderly Sergeant Stebbins of Co. F has been commissioned as 
second lieutenant in place of Lieut. Hartwell, now a captain in the 
54th. Lieut. Stebbins is a much esteemed officer, capable and prompt, 
without being a tjTant or a martinet. 

Private Melville, of Co. A, died on Friday of inflammation of the 
bowels. Since our return from Washington, most of the regiment 
have been much troubled with diarrhoea, which, however, is now 
subsiding. The average health of the regiment is good. Dr. Fisher, 
assistant surgeon with the late Dr. Ware, is now surgeon of the 
regiment. He is a man of much professional skill and faithfulness. 
His assistant. Dr. McPhee, is winning golden opinions for the same 
qualities, united with great complaisance to everybody but "niggers." 
He was with the English army during the Sepoy rebellion. 

At dress parade this evening an order, suitably acknowledging the 
generous gift of $500 at the hands of Mr. Gilmore, for the benefit 
of the 44th regiment, was read. 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 109 

Newbekn, N. C, May 23, 1863. 

The Newbern markets are points of some interest. What native 
products are ofiFered for sale here are chiefly brought in small sail ves- 
sels from up and down the river, their place of rendezvous being at the 
foot of Pollock street. Due notice of the arrival of produce being 
given at the office of the Provost-Marshal, the sale commences, under 
such restriction as this functionary may have been pleased to prescribe. 
If the cargo is of eggs, the hospitals and certain functionaries must 
first be provided for. After this, private soldiers and negroes may be 
allowed to buy one or two dozens each. The scenes about these mar- 
ket boats are sometimes quite animated and interesting. This morning 
a boat lay at the wharf with eggs, sweet potatoes and green peas. The 
butternut skipper and his son were beset in a very confusing manner. 
First went the green peas, half grown, at fifty cents a peck. Then the 
eggs at twenty-five cents a dozen. Anxious but patient darkeys of both 
sexes, ancient and lean Carolinians of the white "persuasion" and 
doubtful loyalty, eyed the sweet potatoes and bided their doubtful 
.chances. 

The only cheap thing in Newbern is fish — drum, sheepshead, trout, 
herring, &c., caught down the sound. Trout enough for a family din- 
ner can be bought for twenty-five cents. It is very good, and the 
staple article of food at the restaurants. 

A few farmers who were so fortunate as not to live on the line of 
our expeditionary raids, send in a little honey. Strawberries, also, are 
occasionally received. 

Kecruitiug for the African brigade is progressing lively and enthu- 
siastically. Quite a recruiting fever has seized the freedmen of New- 
bern. Recruiting offices will soon be opened at Washington and 
Plymouth. Four thousand colored soldiers are counted upon in this 
department. There is likely to be one item of compensation to the 
Government for holding these posts upon the enemy's soil. It is, 
indeed, due to the freedmen that we provide these harbors of refuge 
for those who escape from the rebel lin^s. There is, perhaps, not a 
slave in North Carolina who does not know that he may find freedom 
in Newbern, and thus Newbern may be the Mecca of a thousand noble 
aspirations. Leave Newborn to the rebels and hope would die out 
altogether in many a poor trembling heart. Thank God that the noble 
inspiration of human liberty is with us in this war. It helps us to abide 
temporary disaster, and is our pledge of final success. But we shall 
find a path stony and blood-moistened so long as we fail to have mercy 



110 LETTERS FROM THE 

and deal justly with the unoffending people who are the innocent cause 
of this war. 

The regimental band of the 44th has grown into a fine institution 
under the combined labors of our chief musician, Mr. Babcock, and 
the leader, Mr. N. II. Ingraham. Their repertory of music is large 
and fine and played with expression. Much of it was arranged by A. 
AY. Ingraham, a brother of the leader, who has recently visited us. A 
third brother, also a member of the band, died in hospital last winter. 
Very much is due to this musical trio, and perhaps not less to the fine 
orchestral taste of Mr. Babcock, for the striking proficiency attained 
by the band. Considering the excellent moral effect of good music in 
camp, we can hardly overestimate the thoughtful generosity of those 
friends who provided us with musical instruments. If "sounds of 
home " by them invoked have kept a single heart from going astray, 
the gift could not have been amiss. 

Two hundred rebel prisoners, including a Colonel and several line 
officers, have just been captured near Kinston, by a brigade under 
command of Col. Jones, of the Pennsylvania 58th. Beside the 58th,- 
the Mass. 5th and 27th took part in the expedition. We had a few 
men wounded. The rebels suffered much more. 



Neavbern, y. C, May 20, 1863. 
Your correspondent with the Eighteenth Army Corps proposes to 
deliver a series of " lectures upon the war " after he shall have re- 
turned to Boston. The topics to be embraced in the proposed series 
will include not only operations in the Department of North Carolina, 
but in those of the South and Grulf, if not in Virginia and the South- 
west, his observations having convinced him that it is by no means 
necessary to see a battle to describe it with all desirable particularity 
and enthu.simoosy. Tickets will be placed at one dollar. Your cor- 
respondent undertakes this disinterested and benevolent enterprise in 
consequence of the great dearth of information with reference to the 
war ; but preliminary to his appearance he wishes to engage the ser- 
vices of the experienced dramatic editor of the Boston Herald for a 
proper introduction in his new capacity to the Athenian world. He 
will understand the importance of a suitable invitation, and will please 
allow your correspondent to refer him to a fornuila among the adver- 
tisements in Boston papers of a late date. To the document, modelled 
according to this suggestion, he will then secure the autographs of 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. Ill 

Honorable Edward Everett, Honorable Robert C. Winthrop, et id omnes 
genus, by means of which those eminently respectable gentlemen will 
be made to express the deep interest with which they have perused the 
letters of " Corporal " in the Boston Herald, and their burning anxiety 
to hear him continue his elucidation of such noble themes as bal masques, 
hard tack, camp opera, salt horse, &c., &e. The dramatic editor, after 
reference to another formula among the advertisements of late Boston 
papers, will then indite a noble reply to the invitation, expressing the 
willingness of "Corporal" to give a public recital of his experience 
with hard tack, musty rice and shrivelled beans, during the period that 
he stood up for his country. He may mention June 17th as the time, 
and Faneuil Hall as the place. This "Interesting Correspondence" 
must then be published in all the Boston papers, free, if possible, but 
if not possible, regardless of expense. It is not expected that Faneuil 
Hall will contain the crowd which will be attracted to its portals ; but 
the public, being a capricious, theatre-going monster, may not turn out 
as anticipated, so, Mr. Dramatic Editor, I charge you to secure, by a 
bribe, the attendance of a reporter from each Boston paper, so that the 
aforesaid monster shall not go unlightened by the oral disquisitions of 
your correspondent. 

The fly-statistics of your Port Royal correspondent must not lead 
your readers to suppose that the Department of the South enjoys a 
monopoly of this interesting insect. I allude to common house flies. 
Fleas and musquitoes do not greatly abound at Newbern, but house 
flies swarm like the locusts of Egypt. The wood-ticks of Hill's Point, 
which adhered to the cuticle with a death-grasp, deserved a paragraph, 
but the house flies of Newbern are even a greater nuisance. The print- 
er will not fail to notice the peculiar manner in which they have punct- 
uated this sheet of manuscript, Their tracks are visible upon every 
object which they can touch — upon our plates, dippers, knives, forks, 
bread. They attack us with desperation at meal times, and if we have 
anything better than usual they are sure to find it out, and rally upon 
the sweet point, so that while we convey the food to our mouth with 
one hand, we are forced to fight flies with the other. " Tempusfugit," 
commences a letter of your Newbern correspondent, " Tiger." " Fly 
time — very appropriate," parenthetically remarked the fi-ee translator 
Frederick, as he read and described curves in the air. 

Among recent visitors here have been Hon. Mr. Comins and wife, 
of Roxbm-y. General Wild and staff", of the African brigade, in pro- 
cess of formation, are here. 



112 LETTERS FROM THE 

Newbeen, N. C, May 26, 1863. 

The recent dash by one of our brigades near Kinston, which resulted 
in the capture of about two hundred rebel soldiers, was followed by an 
angry spite on the part of the rebels in that direction, who gave our 
])ickets some trouble, and who, by the agency of a sharpshooter, suc- 
ceeded in killing Colonel Jones, of the Penn. 58th — one of the 
most brave officers and excellent men in the service ; one of the Jack- 
son type of soldiers, fighting heart and hand, and praying also for the 
success of the Union cause. We hate to lose such men. AVe have 
none such to spare. We wonder that a good cause is bereft of such 
auxiliaries, and are perhaps too slow to learn the lesson that indi\idual 
men are of little account in eliminating the grand designs of Providence. 
We need to be cured of hero-worship. It has been one of the banes 
interfering with the due progress of the war. We may safely put faith 
in men collectively, and in the principles which prevade the masses of 
the North, but never in any single man or set of men. 

Company F, Captain Storrow has gone to Fortress Morroe, having 
in charge a lot of rebel prisoners. We expect the company will come 
back to Newbern and accompany the regiment home. 

Another levy has been made upon us for officers in regiments of colored 
men. Privates W. D. Crane of Company D, Goodwin, Woodward, and 
Sergeant Weld, of Company F, are among those who propose leaving 
Newbern for Boston to-day to take commisions as line officers in one 
or more of these regiments. 

Some of the more festive of the line officers in this department have 
recently assisted at a variegated aifair called a nigger ball, wliicli tran- 
spired at the house of Black Lovinia, one of the Skittletop sisterhood. 
Not the least interested and observant spectators of this recherche affair 
were one or two sentinels in the vicinity, who tell curious stories of the 
carryings-on. The assemblage occupied two stories of the building, 
the lower rooms being partly devoted to dancing ; but some of the 
movements were not recognized in any of the modern schottisches, 
waltzes, or polka-redowas. It was a marbled crowd, the upper stratum 
being described as yellow and white, and the lower one pure black and 
white. So, with strange indifference to the articles of war, say those 
prying fellows, the nocturnal sentinels. 

The rebel guerrillas, who are always prowling around Newbern, 
succeeded recently in catching a couple of schooners becalmed down the 
river, and burned them to the water's edge. 

Our convalescents are sent down to Beaufort and Morehead City 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 113 

for the benefit to be derived from sea air. The principal hospital was 
formerly a large hotel. It stands upon piles, and the tides flow beneath 
it. The patients ride in sail boats, eat strawberries, and disport with 
the fair secesh of Beaufort, who are quite an improvement upon the 
tallow-faced damsels of the interior. 



Newberx, N. C, May 29, 1863. 

As our nine months' service draws to its close, time drags its slow 
length along in the most irritating manner possible. This police life 
would soon demoralize, if it did not kill us quite. We have already 
lost not a little of our former excellency in drill, and we have dubious 
anticipations as to the figure we sliall cut on Boston Common. 

If we arrive in Boston before the expiration of our term of service, 
there is a probability of our spending a few days in camp atReadville, 
where we hope to recover our military stamina, and where we shall be 
at home to our old friends of blessed memory. 

In a recent letter containing a reference to the band, I said that we 
had been visited by A. W. Ingraham, to whose skillful arrangement of 
music, much of the excellency of the band was due. Mr. Ingraham 
has since the assumed the leadership, and his splendid bugle playing is 
now a marked and attractive feature of the music at serenades and dress 
parades. 

On the 27th our regiment being formally mustered agreeable to an 
order from headquarters, we were addressed by General Foster and so- 
licited to join the new heavy artillery regiment. The General was 
heartily cheered, but I think very few of the boys will care to re-enlist 
until they have seen Massachusetts once more, although furloughs and 
other inducements are tendered. The artillery branch of the service, 
the Department of North Carolina, and General Foster are all to the 
liking of our regiment, and many of its members are likely to return 
here. 

The 27th was General Foster's birthday. In the evening his resi- 
dence was brilliantly lighted and crowded with guests. Music, gaiety 
and splendid hospitality graced the occasion — contrasting strangely with 
the impressive ceremonials of the preceding day attending the removal 
of the remains of Colonel Jones to the steamer. 

Captain Smith, of Company II, Lieutenants Newell, of Company 
E, and Odiorne, of Company G, Orderly Sergeant White, of Company 
E, Orderly Sergeant Cunningham, of Company C, and private Curtis, 



114 LETTERS FROM THE 

of Company F, are to take commissions in a new regiment of heavy 
artillery recruiting for this garrison, and to be under the command of 
Major Frankle, of the Massachusetts 17th regiment, as Colonel. 

Orderly Sergeant MuUiken, of Company H, has been elected Second 
Lieutenant, in place of Lieutenant Howe, promoted to be First Lieu- 
tenant, in place of Lieutenant Johnson, appointed Adjutant, in place 
of Lieutenant Hiukley, who is to be Adjutant of the artillery regiment. 
Since writing the above, I learn that a number of our regiment, as well 
as a number in the 43d and 4oth, have decided to join as privates. 



Newberx, N. C, Juxe 1, 1863. 

By a blunder of the printer, I was made in a recent letter to allude 
to Lieut. Col. Hartwell, of the Mass. 5.5th, as a former secoiid lieuten- 
ant of Co. F. He was first lieutenant of that company, and much dis- 
tinguished as a disciplinarian, as well as for his moral qualities. 

Intelligence has just been received here of the death in a rebel hos- 
pital of Orderly Sergeant Hobart, of Co. G, who was wounded and 
captured near AVashington, March 30, at the commencement of the 
siege of that place. This intelligence comes by way of Washington, 
D. C, through official sources. Nothing is known here of the fate of 
private Leonard, who was severely wounded and captured at the same 
time. 

Some objection is made to the use of the word " police,*' as descrip- 
tive of our duties in Newborn. I have used it in the civil and not in 
the military sense of the word. Police duty, in a military sense, is 
the duty of cleaning up the camp. As provost-guard of Newborn, our 
duty is to "clean out*' disreputable places, to see that soldiers in town 
are not absent from their regiments without leave, and to attend to 
moral publicans generally. 

The negroes here honor the Hibernian custom of "waking" their 
dead. On occasions of this sort, they sometimes render night so 
hideous by their songs and shoutings that the guard is attracted to the 
scene of their spiritual orgies, to enforce order. At midnight, the 
revellers solemnly refresh themselves with coffee, and then resume 
their howling, reciting and chanting simple hymns, line by line. 

Several transports are lying here and at Morehead, in one of which 
a cavalry company arrived on the 29th ult. On the same day, Co. F 
returned from Fortress Monroe, whither they had been sent to guard 
prisoners sent from Newbern. Another transport arrived yesterday 
with more cavalry. 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 115 

Lieuts. Briggs and Field, detached from the regiment some months 
ago to serve on the signal corps in the Department of the South, have 
returned to Newbern, and will go home "with the regiment. Detailed 
men are ordered to report to their companies on or before the 8th, 
about the time we are expected to leave for home. It is said all our 
sick will be taken with us. Even the most protracted cases of "con- 
valescence" at Beaufort will hardly forego the glory of "marching up 
State street," the only avenue to Boston by which a returning regiment 
could possibly get into the city. Will the great army of quidnuncs, 
the men with green spectacles, umbrellas and towering shirt collars, 
coatless quill-drivers, the breechless admirers of brass bands, and the 
floating population generally take the hint ? What avails going to the 
war if there can be no State street finale with the customary remarks 
of the reporters so nicely adjusted to the merits of each individual 
corps ? How inscrutable are the judgments of reporters until their 
impressions come to light in good fair type, when we find that the last 
regiment, like all the preceding ones, " looked finely and marched like 
veterans ! " Of course we shall be proud to be noticed ; and if the 
great army of sight-seers, (without whom "marching up State street" 
would be as apples of Sodom,) shall really enjoy the coming novelty of 
a regiment marching up State street, will voluntarily swell the number 
of those soon to march down street, we shall feel more than paid for 
having afi"orded them a sensation, at the expense of our blushing 
modesty. 

June 6, 1863. 

At this writing (half past one o'clock p. m.) the 44th regiment, 
pleasantly quartered on board the transport steamers "Guide" and 
"George Peabody," is steaming out of Beaufort (N.C.) harbor, bound 
for dear old Boston. Just as the train of open cars which bore us 
from Newbern to Morehead City this morning w^as getting under way, 
the clouds opened wdth rain as though determined to treat us with a part- 
ing baptism, as well as the introductory one by which we were drenched 
through and through on our way from Morehead City to Newbern last 
October. But in this respect we were agreeably disappointed. It 
rained but little, and the sunbeams came through so many vapory 
clouds that the weather was delightful. Nine months' absence from 
the sea coast had sharpened an old love for ocean breezes ; and as we 
neared Morehead, the sweet smells of the beach mingled with the 
refreshing coolness coming 

"From where old Triton blows his wreathed horn," 
w'ere inhaled with delight and gratitde. 



J 16 LETTERS FROM THE 

The right wing of our regiment is on board the Guide. The right 
wing includes companies A, G, H, K, and E. The Colonel, Lieut. - 
Colonel, and Major, the regimental band, the surgeon, and the sick, 
are also on board the Guide. 

The left wing is upon the George Peabody. "We consist of com- 
panies F, B, D, C, and I, under command of senior Captain Storrow. 

Being the slower boat, we have the start. The weather continues 
delightful ; the sea is azure : and, as we turn our prow northward, 
satisfaction and joyful anticipations hover over us beautiful as birds 
of paradise. 

I believe we carry with us from the department of North Carolina 
the cordial good will of Gen. Foster. That this sentiment is fully 
reciprocated by our regiment the enthusiasm in its ranks always 
excited by the presence of the General is abundant proof. He hon- 
ored the occasion of our departure by coming out to the depot with 
his full staff. He was greeted with a storm of cheers, which he and 
staff heartily returned. Last night he received our officers at his 
residence in a very complimentary manner. In the meantime the 
quarters of several of the companies Avere illuminated, the boys ex- 
changed visits in a very unceremonious and jubilant manner, and 
cheered everybody and everything without regard to sex or condition. 
So passed the eve of our departure from Newbern. This morning the 
Mass. 3d regiment, Captain Richmond, honored us by escorting the 
44th to the depot. 

We arc succeeded as provost guard by the Mass. 27th, one of the 
noblest bodies of men in the service. 

June 7, 186;3. 

We had heavy sliowcrs and a lilgh wind last night. !Many of the deck 
sleepers were driven below. Those who remained found their clothes 
and blankets saturated with water this morning. Our guns, late the 
pride of the regiment, were covered with rust. A stiff wind was 
blowing from the northwest, and the unsteady motion of the boat was 
beginning to have the customary effect on landsmen. We turned out 
this morning a dismal-looking set; but, as the day advanced, we 
presently discovered blue sky enough to make a paii* of breeches for a 
Dutcliman, and then we knew we were safe, according to the best 
marine logic. Still later the sun struggled into view, cheering our 
hearts and drying our blankets at the same time. Contrary to the gen- 
eral impression, I find that there was but little sea-sickness last night. 
It was something else, — sourness of the stomach, sickness of the 
stomach, headache, v^c, but the symptoms were wonderfully uniform. 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 117 

On board the Greorge Peabody, with our left wing, arc about one 
hundred men from the 46th, 43d, 8th, and other Massachusetts mne 
months' regiments, going home on a furlough, having enlisted in Col. 
Frankle's regiment of heavy artillery, at Newbern. 

June 9. 

The interim indicated by my last two dates was covered by indispo- 
sition — not sea-sickness, of course, but something mightily like it in all 
its external indications. I may here mention that we have had a pretty 
rough trip, steaming for most of the time directly against a northeaster. 
As a natural result, thirteen were in the hospital last night, and the ven- 
erable captain of the Peabody was forced to retire to his cabin and sol- 
emnly take an observation through the skylight every thirty minutes. 

We have been cheered by one reminiscence of camp life, to wit, 
roll-call. The homeward-bound citizen soldiery, thinking routine about 
played out, answered en masse for every name as it was called, and 
found it impossible, in consequence of the roughness of the sea, to keep 
from tumbling over each other, to the great detriment of the proper 
company rectilinear. Roll-call on shipboard was thenceforward dis- 
pensed with as impracticable, if not impossible. It was with no small 
satisfaction that our eyes opened this morning to find the Peabody 
making its way up Vineyard Sound, between beautiful, bold, green 
shores dotted with villages and more scattered white cottages, eloquent 
of thrift and industry which cannot live with slavery and rebellion. 

7 o'clock, p. M. 

We were steaming up in the track of a golden sunset this evening 
toward dear old Boston, when our progress was arrested by a terrible 
being on a tug-boat, who first demanded the name of our regiment, and 
then ordered us to haul to. We obeyed. We then inquired of the 
terrible being, who wore two rows of brass buttons, if our escort, the 
Guide, had arrived ? " Who is the ofiicer in command ?" again de- 
manded the being, not choosing to hear the question. He was in- 
formed. The being then boarded us, waving us from before him with 
both hands. He retired to the cabin for a conference, and presently 
emerged therefrom, but what is to come of all this we can only con- 
jecture with fear and trembling. AVe may have to wait on board for 
the Guide, which we now for the first time are apprised, is behind us, 
but there is a talk of putting us into Fort Independence. Of one thing, 
however, we are sure : We have seen Major-Generals and even a Major- 
General of an Army Corps, but General Foster, in all his glory, can 
hold no candle to the terrible being who come upon us from the tug. 



118 LETTERS FROM THE 

THE WELCOME HOME. 



The Boston Herald, of June 10th, gives the followmg account of the 
welcome home extended to the 44th Regiment : 

THE RECEPTION OF THE FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 

As was anticipated, the transport steamer Guide, with the right wing 
of the 44th regiment, arrived here about 6 o'clock this morning, and 
steamed directly up to Central Wharf, followed by the George Peabody, 
and without loss of time the troops commenced to disembark, this work 
being finished in less than two hours, when the two vessels left the wharf. 

The regiment was drawn up by companies, and arms were stacked 
and knapsacks unslung, when the men were dismissed, a guard being 
mounted across the wharf. But, prior to this, a large number of men 
had run up in town to see their friends, supposing their leave allowed 
them this privilege, and those who did not take this view of the matter 
remained on the wharf, where hundreds of their friends went to welcome 
them home. 

Soon after the men landed, through the forethought and liberality of 
Messrs. S. J. Whall and L. M. Dyer, the men were supplied with excellent 
hot coifee and bread and butter, and thanks to these gentlemen were in 
every soldier's mouth. 

A pleasant incident occurred last evening as the steamer George 
Peabody, with the left wing of the regiment on board, was passing Fort 
Warren. The entire garrison turned out and gave continuous cheers 
of welcome to the returning soldiers, the post band playing "Home, 
sweet Home." The cheers were returned from the steamer, and were 
continued until the steamer got a long distance past the fort. 

The following is the Roster of the regiment. Several changes have 
taken place during the term of service of the regiment : 

FIELD AND STAFF. 

Colonel, Francis L. Lee ; Lieutenant Colonel, E. C. Cabot ; Major, 
C. W. Dabncy, Jr.; Surgeon, T. W.- Fisher; Assistant Surgeon, Dan- 
iel ]\IcPhee ; Adjutant, E. C. Johnson : Quartermaster, F. Bush, Jr.: 
Chaplain, E. H. Mall. 

Xon-Cv)mnissioned Staj]'. — Sergeant I\Iaj or, Wm. H. Bird; Quar- 
termaster's Sergeant, F. S. Gilford ; Commissary's Sergeant, C. D. 
Woodberry; Hospital Steward, W. C. Brigham ; Principal Musician. 
(1. L. Babcock. 

Li>"E oirrcKKs. 

(Japtahm — Company A, J. ^L Richardson : B, .7. M. Griswold; C, 
G. B. Lombard ; D, H. D. Sullivan : E, S. W. Richardson; F, C. Stor- 
row: G, C. Hunt; H, W. V. Smith; I, J. R. KendaU: K, R. H. 
Weld. 

First Lieutenants — Company A, J. Coffin; B, J. A. Kendrick ; Jr.; 
C, W. Hedge; D, J. H. Blake, Jr.; E, J. S. Newell; F, T. E. Tay- 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 119 

lor: G, J. C. White; H, A. R. Howe; I, W. D. Hooper; K, F. T. 
Brown. 

Second Lieutenayits — Company A, C. G. Kendall: B, C. C. Soiile : 
C, J. W. Brig^s : D, A. H. Stebbins : E, J. S. Cumston : F, H. S. 
Stebbins; G, F. Odiorne; H, J. L. Mulliken; J, B. F. Fields, Jr.; 
K, J. Parkinson, Jr. . 

The regiment has been in five engagements, viz.: Bawls' Mills, Kins- 
ton, Whitehall; Goldsboro' and Washington, all in North Carolina, in 
which thirteen men were killed. On leaving Massachusetts there was 
an aggregate of 1018 in the regiment, and it returns with 916, one 
hundred and two men having been killed in battle, died from disease or 
been discharged for disability. 

Prior to the departure of the regiment fi'om Xewbern, the following 
order was issued by IMajor General Foster, which shows how well the 
men have served their country during their term of service : 

Headquarters 18th Army Corps, ) 

Newbern, N. C, Junr 5th, 18G3. ) 
Special Orders No. 160—17. 

The Commanding General, on bidding farewell to the 44th Regiment M. V. M. 
conveys to them his high appreciation of and thanks for their services whilst in 
this Department. 

As a part of the garrison of AVashington, and in the various duties to which 
they have been assigned, they have always done their duty as soldiers. 

The Commanding General in parting expresses his hopes to officers and men 
that he may have the pleasure of welcoming their return here, and tenders 
them, one and all, his best and kindest wishes for the future. 

By command of Major General .T. G. Foster. 

(Signed) S. HOFFMAN, A. A. G. 

The escort assembled on the Tremont street Mall of the Common, 
and at 10 o'clock left there for Central Wharf. The companies form- 
ing the escort were under command of Major J. Putnam Bradlee, and 
consisted of the New England Guard Reserve with 93 guns ; the Mas- 
sachusetts Rifle Club, Captain Moore, with 114 guns: the Battalion of 
National Guards, Major C. W. Stevens, with 102 guns, and the Rox- 
bury Reserve Guard, Captain Wyman, with 80 guns ; the whole headed 
by Gilmore's and the Brigade Bands. 

On reaching Central wharf the escort was drawn up in line along 
India street, and the Regiment being formed on the wharf, the usual 
]ireliminary proceedings to the taking up the escort were gone through 
with, and the column moved over the prescribed route to the Common, 
entering at the gate at the corner of Charles and Beacon streets. 

All along the route the streets were crowded to excess, and the win- 
dows were filled with ladies, who cheered the men with a will as they 
marched along. Bouquets were showered on them from every side, 
and the entire march was an ovation of which the regiment must have 
felt proud. 

After entering the parade ground the regiment marched past the 



120 LETTERS FROM THE 

escort and then wheeled into line in front, the right resting on Beacon 
street mall. The Mayor and City Government were in waiting in front 
of the regiment, and Colonel Leo having opened his ranks and saluted, 
brought Iiis njen to the " parade rest." His Honor 3Iayor Lincoln then 
advanced in front of the line, being accompanied by General Tyler, 
Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, and addressed Colonel 
Lee as follows : 

Mr. Commander: — In behalf of the Municipal Government and the 
people of Boston, it is my duty and privilege to extend to you and 
your command, the 44th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, a cor- 
dial and hearty welcome on your return home from the seat of war. The 
presence of this large assembly, the crowds of citizens who have greeted 
you in our thronged streets, the eager impatience with which your 
arrival has been anticipated, is an evidence that this is not merely an 
official act of common courtesy and form. The peculiar circumstances 
under which your regiment was organized, the character, education and 
social position of the young men who compose its rank and file, the 
alacrity with which they rallied to arms upon the call of the President, 
last summer, the good order which has distinguished them in the camp, 
and the valor and gallant deeds which they have shown in the field, 
have awakened an unusual interest in the community of which they 
form a part. 

It has been said that a nation could not rely for defence, in time of 
danger, upon the young men brought up in a city. The habits and as- 
sociations of a metropolitan life it was feared unfitted them for those 
stern duties and personal physical labors which they must endure in a 
soldiers' career, and which their brothers from the agricultural districts, 
on account of their accustomed avocations, were better calculated to 
perform. But the experience of the past two years has conquered that 
prejudice, if it really ever existed to any considerable extent, for we 
have found that some of the most gallant achievements of the war have 
been by those regiments which have hailed from the cities of the land, 
and from young men whose infancy was cradled in luxury and ease. It 
is not always the largest in stature, or those whose muscles are the best 
developed, but it is the fplrit in the man which commands success, and 
the homely virtues of j)luck and courage are not confined to particular 
classes or business })ursuits, but exist wherever the true fire of disin- 
terested patriotism inspires the breast. 

You went forth to the distant scene of the conflict at a time when you 
must have had a full knowledge of the dangers which you were to en- 
counter, and the sacrifices you must make, ofi'ering up even your lives, 
if need be, to preserve the liberties of your country. You loved your 
homes, you were bound by the tenderest ties of alfectionate relatives 
and friends, and because those sentiments were so strong in your 
breasts you were ready to do, and to dare, anything and everything in 
their behalf. 

The flag of our country which has floated over you has been the sym- 
bol of all that makes life dear, and you have defended it with a resolu- 



MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 121 

tion and manliness which has conferred honor upon yourselves, and 
added renown to the old Commonwealth under whose auspices you went 
forth to meet the common enemy. 

We owe you a debt of gratitude for what you have done ; we know 
now that we can rely upon you if the occasion should again call for 
your services. We mourn for the honored dead and would pay our 
tribute of respect to the memory of your brave comrades who have 
fallen in battle or who have been struck by disease in the line of their 
duty, and we would bless the kind Providence which has protected so 
many to be again united in family circles, and to enjoy the comforts of 
homes which have been rendered more precious by the sacrifices you 
have made. In the future you can look back upon the campaign you 
have past with just pride, and can feel that in this crisis of our nation's 
history you have acquitted yourselves like men and patriots. 

I cannot conclude without acknowledging the important aid given to 
your regiment in a perilous period in your history by the 5th Rhode 
Island Regiment, Col. Sisson, who, I am happy to hear, is present, and 
can bear to his command the gratitude of our people for their timely 
assistance. 

Having said thus much and congratulated you upon this auspicious 
occasion, I invite you to the repast which has been prepared and which 
fair hands are now waiting to serve. 

Col. Lee briefly responded, thanking the city authorities for the 
handsome manner in which the regiment had been received, and ex- 
pressing the gratification it gave him to be able to bring back so many 
men. He assured the Mayor that he felt proud of his kind mention of 
Col. Sisson and the brave 5th Rhode Island Regiment, as his gallant 
action in the relief of Washington was one of the most noteworthy of 
the war. 

At the close of Col. Lee's response the various companies in the 
regiment wheeled into • platoons and stacked arms, when they were 
dismissed to partake of the collation, which was spread on separate 
tables for each company, on the Charles street mall. The tables were 
tended by ladies, and presented a beautiful appearance from the num- 
ber of bouquets of flowers adorning them. The Germania Band furn- 
ished good music during the time the regiment was partaking of 
refreshments. 

A large crowd assembled on the Common, and after the collation 
warmly embraced their friends in the regiment. 



At the conclusion of the ceremonies on the Common, the regiment was 
granted a furlough until the succeeding Monday at sunset, when they 
were ordered to report at Readville. On the succeeding Thursday, 
June 18th, we were mustered out of the service of the United States. 



w 



LETTERS 



FROM THE 



r\.-.' . 



FORTy-FOURTH REGIMENT M. V. M. 



A RECORD OF THE 



EXPEEIENOE OF A NINE MONTHS' KEGIMENT 



DEI'ARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA IN 1862-3. 



BY "CORPORAL." ^\c . 



BOSTON: 
PRINTED AT THE HERALD JOB OFFICE, No 4 WILLIAMS COURT, 

1863. 






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